Defending your vacation packages
FOX 13’s Evyn Moon stories on what authorities are doing to crack down on bundle theft and what individuals in and round Tampa can proactively do to forestall their vacation deliveries from being stolen.
TAMPA, Fla. – Because the vacation buying season kicks into excessive gear, Tampa police are seeing a rise in bundle thefts.
With many individuals benefiting from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers, unattended deliveries have gotten targets for thieves.
“On-line buying could be very handy, nevertheless it’s a priority when individuals come and seize your stuff,” stated Tampa resident Terry Miffitt.
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Miffitt’s husband, Paul Miffitt, added, “Supply to properties is increasingly standard day by day, so why struggle off a safety guard when you’ll be able to simply take issues off a porch? In the event that they don’t prefer it, properly, it was free!”
The problem of what’s been coined “porch piracy” is widespread.
Safety.org stories that $12 billion price of products had been stolen final 12 months, affecting one in 4 Individuals.
Thieves stealing packages from porches in Tampa Bay.
“This isn’t an issue that’s going away,” stated Corie Colliton from Safety.org. “Regardless that there’s extra expertise to watch what’s occurring exterior your own home, bundle theft remains to be a rising difficulty.”
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To guard deliveries, consultants advocate scheduling packages once you’re dwelling, utilizing safe pick-up factors like Amazon lockboxes, having a neighbor seize them, or requesting a signature for high-value gadgets.
“This time of season, bundle thefts improve. We’re urging residents to take additional precautions when packages are delivered. For those who’re not dwelling, have a neighbor decide it up for you,” stated Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
Bercaw stated TPD’s objective is easy: “preserve everybody secure and guarantee this season is each joyful and safe for all.”
In case your packages are stolen, police counsel reporting the crime and sharing any doorbell digicam footage, which may help establish culprits.
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