SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Police Department is highlighting a year-round initiative to prevent porch pirates and package thefts more specifically this holiday season.
“The police department has bait items out there,” said Officer Anthony Gamble with Sac PD.
Police say there are a few ways people can try and prevent theft:
- Consider installing a doorbell camera or other home security camera
- Consider installing a porch lockbox
- If possible have a friend or neighbor collect any packages when you're not home
- Schedule the delivery for when you will be home
- Or schedule delivery to a storefront location or package locker
FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the United States Postal Inspection Service suggest similar tips, but also recommend tracking your packages if you’re able to, providing more specific delivery instructions to delivery drivers or utilizing delivery locker rooms with Amazon pickup locations or USPS post offices.
Sacramento police are strongly encouraging those considering stealing packages to think twice before potentially robbing someone of their holiday cheer.
“A package that a criminal thinks they're grabbing just may be a product of the police department that has a bait tag in it,” said Gamble.
Police said you can report a theft by calling their non-emergency line at 916-808-5471 or by filing a report online. They also ask that people turn in any surveillance video or ring video, so it can help catch the thieves.
Amazon Tips
In addition to their 24/7 customer service, Amazon also suggest the following resources to make sure your order makes it to the right hands.
- Order tracking - which includes delivery windows and map tracking
- Amazon Day - A feature that allows a designated day for delivery
- Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery - Deliveries to your garage
- Pick-up Options - Locations available HERE.
USPIS Tips
The United States Postal Inspection Services has the following advice to help deter package theft.
- Promptly pickup mail
- Deposit mail close to pickup time
- Inquire about overdue mail
- Don't send cash
- Arrange for prompt pickup
- Use Hold for Pickup
- Request signature confirmation
- File a change of address
FedEx Tips
FedEx provided the following advice in response to an inquiry from ABC10.
Every day, in every United States ZIP code, FedEx is connecting communities around the country by making deliveries to doorsteps.
All year long we work with our drivers and service providers to be aware of their surroundings and report any unusual activities. FedEx Express and Ground residential customers are now able to see picture proof of a completed delivery for packages that do not require signature. FedEx Delivery Manager customers also have the added ability to provide specific delivery instructions for drivers and take advantage of options to hold or redirect the package to a retail location, like FedEx Office. Any customer who suspects that a package has been stolen should contact police.
We also support federal legislation known as the Porch Pirates Act that would establish a consistent set of penalties for theft of packages nationwide.
