Prevent theft of your online purchases

Don't become a victim of package theft this holiday season!

This time of year, UPS and FedEx deliver a high volume of packages to residences in the Lima area.  Between online shopping, and people sending friends and relatives Christmas presents, it is not uncommon for our officers to see packages on the front porches of many residences in the City throughout the day.  We have taken several reports of stolen packages recently.  These thefts will only increase in the coming weeks unless consumers take precautions to help avoid them. 

If our officers are seeing these packages, then so are potential thieves who may be looking for a quick score at your expense.  You can avoid becoming a victim of this common crime by following a few safety precautions when you order online, or ship a package to friends / family. 

1.  One of the easiest ways to avoid your packages being stolen is to select the option to require an adult signature upon delivery.  If  no one is available to receive the package, then the driver will not deliver it.  Yes, sometimes this is an inconvenience, but it is better than losing your online purchases to a thief. 

2.  Track your packages through the shipper, and know when they will be arriving.  Do not let packages sit on your porch for several hours.  Criminals know you don't have a box of brand new garbage on your porch.  They know it is something worthwhile. 

3.  If you know you will not be able to be present to pick up the package, have it delivered to the UPS store, or FedEx office.  You can then pick your package up safely without worry.  If you live in an apartment complex, this is probably your best option. 

4.  You can often leave special delivery instructions for the shipping company.  Ask them to deliver to an area of your residence that is not in plain view of the roadway or sidewalk. 

5.  Online purchases from major stores, can often be shipped directly to the store.  An example of this is WalMart.

6.  Get to know your neighbors.  The greatest prevention of crime, is an alert neighbor.  If you see someone around your neighbor's house acting suspicious, call the LPD.  "If you see something, say something!"


Help us to prevent theft.  If you believe you have become a victim of this crime, please contact the Lima Police  Department.  Together we can stop these thefts, and put these criminals in jail.

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