National Neighborhood Watch

A Division of the National Sheriffs' Association

Crime prevention through neighborhood cohesiveness and collaboration.

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Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips

Facts and Figures:

  • A Security.org survey noted that 49 millions Americans (nearly 19%) have had at least one package stolen in the past twelve months.1
  • 36% of U.S. adults surveyed say they’ve sent a package somewhere other than their home address, 54% say they’ve changed plans in order to receive a package in person, and nearly seven in 10 said they weren’t willing to change up their online holiday shopping habits in the face of package theft.3​

General Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips

(Courtesy of the Knoxville Police Department)

  • At Home
    • Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them!
    • Don't hide spare keys in mailboxes or planters, or under doormats.
    • Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
    • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Remember, overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
    • Place gifts where they can't be seen from the outside. 
    • Consider safe deposit boxes for coin and stamp collections, seldom-worn jewelry, stock bonds, etc. 
    • Be sure to mail cards, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or at a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box.
    • Lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway.
  • Strangers at your Door
    • Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door. 
    • Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification.
    • Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays. 
    • Investigate charities before making donations. Ask how the funds will be used.  
  • Leaving for the Holidays
    • Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home.
    • Use timers for lights and radios while you're away.
    • Remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers. 
  • After the Holidays
    • Don't advertise expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up. 
    • Add new items to your home inventory. Take photos or video of all items of value in your home and list each item's make, model, serial number and other information. 
    • Engrave new items to help identify them in the event they are stolen. 

Avoid Porch Theft: 5 Tips to Protect Your Packages

  1. Network with Neighbors
  2. Have Packages Delivered to Work
  3. Leave Specific Drop-off Instructions
  4. Use a Smart Lock
  5. Install Security Cameras

Tips to Avoid Package Theft

  1. Get a P.O. Box as Your Local Post Office
  2. Use Lockers
  3. Set Up Notifications to Track Your Packages
  4. Install a Security Camera
  5. Get Your Packages Delivered to Your Office
  6. Require a Signature on Delivery
  7. Reschedule Delivery or Ask for a Package Hold When on Vacation
  8. Try Smart Locks
  9. Get a Package Guard
  10. Insure Your Packages
  11. Ask Your Neighbors to Grab Your Packages

6 ways to Grinch-proof your holiday light displays

  1. Shut down at night
  2. Set up surveillance
  3. Crime-proof your yard
  4. Consider bringing in valuable items at night
  5. Stay connected
  6. Report, report, report

What to do if you've become a victim of a porch pirate

  1. Check with your delivery company to make sure your package was actually delivered.
  2. Know exactly what’s in the missing box.
  3. If you see the thief, pay attention to what his or her vehicle looks like and its license plate number. Second to that, get the thief’s physical description – gender, approximate height and weight and what they’re wearing – so you can tell an officer.
  4. Call 911 and ask for an officer to come to your home.
  5. If you have a security camera on your home, get a copy of the video to police. Ask your neighbors if their cameras captured the thief in action.

Where to Report Stolen Packages

  1. USPS: File a Claim
  2. UPS: Start a Claim
  3. FedEx: Start a Claim
  4. Amazon: Find a Missing Package That Shows As Delivered

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