Scott Allen, Chief of Police
153 Central St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
East Bridgewater Police Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft
EAST BRIDGEWATER — With holiday shopping season in full swing, Chief Scott Allen and the East Bridgewater Police Department wish to remind residents of several precautions to take when ordering items online to help prevent their gifts from falling into the wrong hands.
“No one wants to see their packages stolen, especially this time of year when they are likely gifts for loves ones,” Chief Allen said. “Try to schedule your deliveries for a time when you are home or a neighbor can pick them up.”
FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays. To best ensure that your packages are not taken, East Bridgewater Police recommend the following strategies:
- Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
- Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
- Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
- Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
- Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
- Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
- If you find your package has been stolen, reach out to East Bridgewater Police and report it immediately.
- Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
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