On-Line Shopping

As the number of on-line shopping purchases increase, law enforcement agencies also see an increase in the number of package thefts that occur from deliveries left at doorsteps or items awaiting pick-up by your local mail carrier or other shipper.

While these types of shopping and delivery services are convenient, unattended packages are convenient and attractive for those that are looking to steal them.

The Colts Neck Police Department’s crime prevention tips to help protect your deliveries:

• If you believe that the delivery will arrive while you are at work, have the package delivered to your worksite/office (if allowed or practical).
• Have the package delivered to a trusted relative, friend or a neighbor that you know will be home. 
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area
• Track the shipping and routing of the package. This is available and provided by most shippers and the US Postal Service.  Contact the shipper if there is a delay in receiving the package as scheduled.
• Arrange for the packages to be signed for.
• If you don’t have a choice, provide instructions about where deliveries should be left, in a less visible location.
• Do not leave outgoing mail with checks or money orders in your personal mailbox for pick up by the mail carrier.  Take your mail to a postal collection box.  If you leave outgoing mail in your mailbox, don’t raise the flag.
• Promptly retrieve your mail:  The United States Postal Inspection Service strongly recommends that you pick up mail from your mailbox as soon as possible after delivery, especially if you are expecting to receive a check or merchandise.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery.  If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and the Police Department.