Online shoppers urged to take steps to prevent parcel theft

We are reminding online shoppers to be careful about where their Christmas gifts are being delivered after recent reports of parcel thefts. Christmas and the Boxing Day sales period is fast approaching, and it is likely that many of us will be ordering goods online and having them delivered to our homes. However, if delivered to your doorstep and left unattended, they can be easily stolen by opportunist thieves. Earlier this week, a camera was stolen from a parcel left in the Trinity Fields area of Stafford and a parcel was stolen from outside of an address in Doxey. With this in mind, we are encouraging everyone to take appropriate action when ordering items online, ensuring they are protected to help prevent parcel theft. Stafford Local Policing Commander, Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, said: “With much more people choosing to shop online, it has presented thieves an opportunity to target parcels. “This type of crime is preventable, and we’re asking everyone to do all that they can to stop this crime happening. “Ask for your deliveries to be diverted to trusted neighbours or friends if you’re are not going to be home. If this isn’t possible, attempt to rearrange to a time when you know you will be in or choose to collect it instead. “We’re asking everyone to work together over the festive period and beyond, to eliminate this type of crime in our communities.” Here are some things you could do to reduce the risk of parcel theft: - Track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery - Install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system - Install a security light and/or CCTV - Arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or other family members who will be at home. - Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations - such as supermarkets - rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves If you have ordered a delivery which has not arrived, first contact the delivery company and sender. If you think a parcel has been stolen or notice anyone acting suspicious, you can make a report online or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.