FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — With the holiday season quickly approaching, many people will likely be using their computers to purchase gifts for friends and family, which means FedEx, UPS, USPS, and other home delivery carriers will be busy delivering packages to your front door.
Statistically, four in 10 people are said to have fallen victim to package theft at home, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
This is why the department is offering tips on how you can better protect yourself from porch pirates.
- Get to know your delivery people. Let them know your package preferences. They may be able to deliver to a more secure area around your home, rather than in high-visibility areas.
- Track your packages. All home delivery carriers offer tracking on packages. When they arrive, be sure to bring them inside right away.
- Network with trusted neighbors. Teaming up with your neighbors can be a smart way to keep your deliveries and your neighborhood secure.
- Deliver to your workplace. If your office allows personal deliveries, have it dropped off there or at another address where someone will be able to receive it.
- Install security cameras or a smart doorbell. Most home security devices can alert you on your smartphone when movement is detected. Many will record and play back video and have two-way communication so you can see, hear and respond to what is going on.
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