The Dallas Police Department is asking citizens to be proactive in protecting their vacation packages and ensuring their safety now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over. Concerns regarding package theft, commonly referred to as porch piracy, are growing along with internet sales.
Online transactions in the country bring in about $1.2 trillion a year, and over 50 million people were impacted by over $12 billion worth of stolen parcels last year alone. Dallas police are providing the following holiday safety advice to help lower the chance of theft:
- Use Exterior Lighting: Illuminate dark areas around your home and consider installing home security systems to keep an eye on your property. Monitoring your deliveries can alert you when a package arrives, adding another layer of protection.
- Don t Let Packages Sit Unattended: If possible, schedule deliveries to a specific time, track your packages closely, or provide instructions to have the item placed out of sight. Requesting a signature upon delivery ensures packages aren t left unattended.
- Alternative Delivery Locations: If you re worried about packages being stolen, consider having them delivered to a trusted neighbor, friend, or workplace. Some services also offer offsite locker pick-up options for added security.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant. If you notice suspicious behavior near your vehicle or home, notify the police immediately.
The Dallas Police Department suggests the following actions to help address the situation if your package is stolen:
- Verify Delivery: Check your tracking information, ask neighbors if they received it, and review any security footage from your cameras.
- Contact the Seller or Shipping Company: They may have procedures in place for lost or stolen packages.
- File a Police Report: If you live in Dallas, you can report the theft online through the Dallas Online Reporting System or at a patrol station.
Package theft in Texas carries fines of up to $10,000 and a maximum sentence of five years in jail. Your credit card company or insurance provider can provide extra loss coverage if you are unable to obtain a refund or replacement.
Dallas residents can contribute to the safety of their delivery and the holiday season by taking these easy precautions.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!