PUBLIC WARNING ISSUED AFTER INCREASE IN PORCH PACKAGE THEFTS

Posted on Thursday December 03, 2020
This is a map of thefts in the city
MAP OF REPORTED PACKAGE THEFTS

PROTECT YOUR PACKAGES
Public warning issued after increase in porch package thefts

LONDON, ON (December 3, 2020) – The London Police Service is warning the public after seeing an increase in package thefts this year. Compared to 2019, LPS has already seen a 36% increase in package thefts, and December isn’t over yet. 

With pandemic safety measures coinciding with a holiday season in full-swing, people are turning to online shopping now more than ever. While many businesses are still open, many London residents are choosing to shop online in order to avoid packed shopping malls and grocery stores. Many services have also moved to contactless delivery, no longer requiring a signature upon delivery. 

Thieves are taking advantage of opportunities, and stealing packages that are unattended or easily accessible at residences throughout the city.

Some precautions you can take to avoid a package theft:

  • When possible, arrange for a specific delivery time or window to ensure that you will be home.
  • Monitor your tracking number to ensure that you are around when the package is delivered.
  • Ask a neighbour if they could receive your package if you won’t be home at the time of delivery.
  • Have your package delivered to a pick up point to ensure that it isn’t left unattended.
  • Get a ‘safe drop’ or locked mailbox for packages.
  • Keep clear sightlines to your porch, leave on lights, and install security cameras if possible. 

As always, if we don’t know – we can’t go. Report suspicious activity and people in your neighborhood.

The Crime Analysis Unit of the London Police Service detected this pattern using analytical software purchased using a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The mapping software can be viewed at this link: https://communitycrimemap.com/?address=London,ON

– 30 –

 

For more information contact:

Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
mediaofficer@londonpolice.ca  

Feedback