Dallas Police
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, and the Dallas Police Department wants to remind you to be proactive about your safety this holiday season.
Nationally, online sales generate approximately $1.2 trillion in annual sales, and in the last year, $12 billion in packages have been stolen from over 50 million people by the term coined “porch pirates.” See these simple, effective tips to help keep you and your packages safe:
- Use exterior lighting to illuminate dark areas, and if possible, utilize home security technology to maintain awareness of your property. The ability to monitor your home will alert you when a package arrives and provide another deterrent for potential porch pirates.
- Don’t let deliveries sit unattended for long periods of time. Set a delivery time with the shipping company, follow the package’s tracking number to know when it arrives, or provide delivery instructions to have the item placed out of sight. Requiring a signature on delivery can also ensure it’s not left outside.
- Consider having your package delivered to a trusted neighbor or friend, or to your workplace. Some services allow pickup at an offsite locker, which will keep your items secure until you collect them.
In the unfortunate event you experience the theft of a package, these steps may help resolve the situation:
- Verify your package was delivered by checking the tracking information, asking neighbors if they received it, and reviewing security cameras if you or your neighbors have them.
- Contact the seller or shipping company, as they might have procedures to remedy the situation.
- Notify the police by filing a report. If the theft occurred in the City of Dallas, you can report this with the Dallas Online Reporting System, or at any patrol station. In Texas, the punishment for “porch pirates” can by multiple years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
- If you are not able to get the purchase refunded or replaced, your insurance or credit card company may provide extra coverage to cover your loss.
Public Release.