For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Concord Police Remind Residents to Be Cautious with Online Deliveries During the Holidays

CONCORD — With the holidays rapidly approaching, Chief Joseph O’Connor and the Concord Police Department encourage residents to follow several safety procedures when shopping online to prevent thieves from stealing delivered packages that are left unattended.

“We know that many residents are often not home during the day to receive their packages, leaving them at risk of being taken,” Chief O’Connor said. “Coordinate an arrangement where your deliveries can be sent to a secure location so you do not lose precious items to theft.”

FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers. To ensure packages are not stolen, consider:

• Requesting a signature on your deliveries, especially those of high value, so they are not left unattended. You can also give specific instructions on where to leave a package so it is not left in a visible spot.

• Signing up for an email alert that will notify you when your delivery is set to arrive.

• Choosing an alternative destination — either at work or at a family member’s, friend’s or neighbor’s house where someone will be home to receive the delivery.

• Re-directing packages, even if they’re already on their way. Send them to your closest FedEx or UPS office, or another secure location.

• Setting up a vacation hold if you’ll be away during the holidays so gifts will not be delivered to an empty house.

If you arrive home to find your package has been stolen, immediately report it to police. However, if the item was not insured, the chances of receiving it back are slim.

Residents should NEVER accept a surprise package or gift where a payment is required. Additionally, do not give out any personal information when retrieving a delivery if you initiated the purchase.

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