New Bedford Police PSA: “Porch pirates across America now wearing Amazon uniforms!”

“*** 𝐏𝐒𝐀 ***

Recent reports from police departments across the U.S. have highlighted a concerning new trend in package theft, where porch pirates have been seen impersonating Amazon delivery drivers by wearing a vest with the Amazon logo while carrying an empty box and switching it out with the real package. Please see the article below for more information, as well as some helpful tips from the NBPD:

𝟏. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Utilize the tracking feature provided by Amazon to keep an eye on your package’s delivery status. This way, you can be aware of when it’s expected to arrive and make arrangements to be present if possible.

𝟐. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫: If available in your area, consider using Amazon Locker for delivery. This service allows you to pick up your package from a secure location at your convenience.

𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: If your package contains valuable items, consider selecting the option to require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that someone is present to receive the package and reduces the risk of theft.

𝟒. 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐬: Installing security cameras around your property can act as a deterrent to potential thieves. Additionally, if a theft does occur, the footage may help identify the perpetrator and aid in their apprehension.

𝟓. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐬: Smart doorbells or cameras equipped with motion sensors can alert you in real-time when someone approaches your doorstep. Some models even allow for two-way communication, enabling you to interact with the delivery person remotely.

𝟔. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: If you’re expecting a delivery and won’t be home, consider notifying a trusted neighbor or your building management. They can keep an eye out for the package and retrieve it for you.

𝟕. 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Provide specific delivery instructions to the carrier, such as requesting that the package be placed in a less visible location or behind a fence.

𝟖. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞: Be aware of people following a delivery vehicle in hopes of stealing a package after it has been delivered.

𝟗. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐭: Immediately report any suspected package thefts or suspicious persons/ activities.

By implementing these precautions, you can help minimize the risk of Amazon package theft and ensure that your deliveries arrive safely! And if you, or someone you know, has been a victim of porch pirating, you can report it here: https://www.newbedfordpd.com/report/

Read the article here.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.