With the December holidays near, Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department are reminding residents to take proper safety precautions when ordering gifts online.
“As people expect to receive their deliveries, we encourage all online shoppers to send gifts to a location where someone can accept the package in person,” Ryan said in a news release. “Further, requiring a signature for your delivery ensures your package will never be left unattended.”
FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays. To best ensure that your packages are not taken, Ryan recommends the following:
• Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
• Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
• Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location that someone will at to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor of friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
• Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
• Set up a vacation hold if you plan on travelling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
If you find your package has been stolen, reach out to police and report it immediately.
Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
This news release was published Monday, Nov. 28, 2016.
