SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The South Brunswick Police Department is offering holiday theft prevention tips, especially with the increase of online sales and deliveries.
“Typically, suspects will come around neighborhoods in the middle of the day or late afternoon looking for unattended packages. Residents should not hesitate to report unusual vehicles or people in their neighborhood. This is a busy time of year, but taking an extra minute to report something unusual may stop a theft,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.
Police offer the following tips that can help residents prevent packages from being stolen from the front porch, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Request a signature delivery option. This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door.
- Request a specific drop-off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages.
- Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up.
- Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option.
- Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them.
- Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for your packages. If they are willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home.
- Sign up for accounts with the common carriers (USPS, FedEX and UPS). By signing up for accounts, you can get access to more detailed tracking information and provide special instructions for the drivers. For instance, you can provide a neighbor’s address if you are not home or make requests to hold the package before it goes out for delivery.
- If see something suspicious, report it to the South Brunswick police immediately by calling 732-329-4646.
