Package delivery safety tips.
Residents need to be on the alert for suspicious vehicles
and people in their neighborhoods.
Police departments throughout the country receive a number of reports about UPS, FedEx and U.S. Postal Service packages being stolen from mailboxes and doorsteps.
Thieves often will target their victims by following behind UPS, FedEx and USPS trucks (known as “tailgating”)
and watch for deliveries where packages are left in open areas.
Once the delivery person has left the package, the thieves will go onto the property and steal these packages.
Here are a few safety tips you can take to better protect yourself if you are expecting a package delivery.
• Always retrieve packages (and mail) as soon as it arrives.
If you are not going to be home to receive the package:
• Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings and be on the lookout in case the doorbell doesn’t ring.
• Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home. (Many have local delivery centers.)
• Request that your package is marked “signature required.” This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you’re available to retrieve the package.
• Leave special instructions with the delivery company
on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house, so that the package is out of sight from the road.
• Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when it is scheduled to arrive.
• Have the items shipped to the nearest store for “in-store pick up.”
Dearborn residents are asked to be vigilant and report
suspicious activity to the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-3030. If you see a crime in progress, call 911.
Larcenies from vehicles reported
The Dearborn Police Department has received reports of items being stolen from parked vehicles. Residents are asked to take steps to avoid becoming a victim of this crime of opportunity.
Department officials said residents should:
• Remember to keep your vehicle locked and windows rolled up even if the vehicle is parked in your driveway or in front of your home.
• Park your vehicle in your garage or in your driveway
whenever possible.
• Do not leave valuables (GPS Units, MP3 Players, laptops, money, etc.) visible in your vehicle.
• Never leave any personal information in your vehicle such as the vehicle title, registration, or insurance.
• Residents should avoid leaving their vehicles running unattended even for a short period.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Dearborn residents can report all suspicious activity anonymously by calling 313-943-3030.