SJPD offers tips to prevent package theft during online shopping season

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Doorsteps around the country are expected to see high traffic in the near future as consumer holidays approach.

The St. Joseph Police Department offered tips to ensure shipments stay in the right hands. 

Each year, around $16 billion is lost through package theft, according to the credit card company Capital One.

While some buyers feel they may not have options for keeping their package safe, the SJPD shared some simple tips to keep the package safe and ensure special gifts don't go missing. 

"A lot of people aren't going to brick-and-mortar stores anymore. The criminals know that, and they take advantage of that opportunity," SJPD Sgt. Jeremy Peters said. "You know, as the volume increases around the holidays, you'll, you know, we're going to run into more of that problem."

The number one tip for consumers is to have packages delivered to a store for in-person pickup. This can include having packages shipped to UPS drop-off lock boxes at convenience stores or around town. 

For some consumers, time may be a significant constraint, especially when they aren't able to make it to the store or pickup locations to get packages. 

"You don't want to leave stuff sitting out on the porch for too long. Also, if you can keep an eye on your neighborhood, because there are people who follow some of these delivery trucks around, and if you see something like that, call us as soon as you can so that we can look into it and try to intercept these vehicles and figure out what they're doing," Peters said.

SJPD also suggests a porch lockbox for the safekeeping of packages or a secure porch container to conceal incoming packages.

Peters and the Crime Prevention Crew also said being aware of neighborhood happenings and other suspicious activities is important.

He offered the advice, "If you see something, say something," to all homeowners who spot a suspicious vehicle that may be surveying a neighborhood. Or if someone witnesses a package being stolen from their neighbor's doorstep.

Security cameras can also help with general lookout of packages and other neighborhood happenings. Although it cannot suggest which video cameras to get, the SJPD crime prevention group offers free sight security assessment surveys to St. Joseph residents.

During these site surveys, crews make sure all cameras are positioned correctly to see as much of the property as possible. It can also identify people or vehicles that come into view of the cameras. 

"That would help us, as far as investigations go, if something were to happen, we want it to be the most useful for you and for us, so that we can solve that case," Peters said. 

Local law enforcement also suggests having the package delivered when someone will be home to grab it. Another added layer of protection to this tip is to require a signature upon delivery of the package. 

For more information on that free site security assessment from the SJPD, email crimeprevention@stjosephmo.gov or call 816-236-1473.