Michael Miksch, Chief of Police
775 Main St.
Hanson, MA 02341
For Immediate Release
Monday, Nov. 26, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Hanson Police Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft
HANSON — With the holiday shopping season officially here, Chief Michael Miksch and the Hanson Police Department are reminding residents to take proper safety precautions when ordering gifts online.
A recent report indicates that online holiday shopping will rise nearly 15 percent this year, and a consumer survey indicates that a staggering 80 percent of Americans will scour Amazon for gifts this year.
“With so much activity beginning on Cyber Monday, and continuing until Christmas, it’s important for residents to protect themselves from package theft while shopping online,” Chief Miksch said. “Following these valuable tips will go a long way in making it harder for thieves to steal gifts meant for your friends and family.”
FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays.
To best ensure that your packages are not stolen, the Hanson Police Department recommends the following tips:
- 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 where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or 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 traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
- Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
- If you find your package has been stolen, call the police immediately.
- Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
- Do not leave packages out in the open in your vehicle. Always lock your vehicle and store all the items out of sight. Bring in all items once you’ve arrived home — do not leave them in your car overnight.
Additionally, the Hanson Police Department has set up a Safe Exchange Zone in front of the station, between the signs in the parking lot. The area, which is under video surveillance, is designed to facilitate a safe, secure and public meeting place for people to meet and complete online transactions on websites like Craigslist.
The men and women of the Hanson Police Department wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!
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