Tips To Keep Packages And Mail Safe, Avoid Car Prowls And More

The Laurelhurst Blog has received an increase in reports of packages stolen from porches with the holidays approaching. 

The Seattle Police reported:

We are at a time of year when we see an increase in package thefts from homes.   Some package thieves will follow or watch for delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made; other thieves may just happen to see the package left at the doorstep of the home, in plain view of the street, and help themselves.

Here are Seattle Police holiday tips in order to reduce the risk of mail and package theft, car prowl prevention, and ensure personal and home safety:

Packages/mail:

• If you are having packages delivered from an online order try to get them sent to your place of work if that's allowed. If not, there are some companies that have lockers available as a pickup location. 
• Never send cash in the mail 
• Don’t leave outgoing mail unattended in the mailbox for pick up- drop it off at the post office instead. 
• If you are going out of town- ask the post office to hold your mail until you return. *Keep your mailbox in good repair and make sure it is properly installed and consider a locking mailbox (contact your local postmaster for regulations).
• If you are leaving presents out to look at until it's time to open them, try to make sure you can't see them from a window or door in your home.
• If you see someone suspicious checking out mailboxes for deliveries call 911. We need your help on this one, get a good description of the person and their vehicle if they have one.
• Track your shipment: All of the major delivery companies offer package tracking, some providing free alerts letting you know where your package is in the shipping process. 
• Require a signature upon delivery.
• Pick up the item(s) from the carrier’s local hub.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pick-up at their local shipping facility.
• Request the package be left with a trusted neighbor who has agreed to accept the package for you.
• Arrange to have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it.  This could be your workplace, a friend or relative’s home, with a trusted neighbor, the leasing office at your apartment complex or even the local “mailbox” business that may agree to accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If none of the above are viable options, at the very least request the package be placed in a discrete location not visible from the street.

Car Prowl Prevention

• Leave No Valuables in Your Car.  Never leave valuables in your car.  Items of little or no value to you still look inviting to a thief.  Even pocket change is enough of an enticement for some thieves.
• When you exit or enter your parked vehicle, take a moment to look around the area.
• If you must leave valuables in your car (say you’re out shopping and still have some stops to make), make sure that nothing of value is within plain view.  Place items in your car trunk out of sight.  Do this when you get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop.
• Don’t leave accessories visible in your car.  You may have taken the Laptop or IPod in with you, but if you leave the USB cables for your laptop or earbuds for the IPod in the back seat, the offender may think those items are in the car and break in anyway.
• If you have a GPS, think about how it is mounted in your car.  If the mounting for the GPS is visible, the thief may think the GPS is in the glove box or under the seat and may break in to try to get it. Have removable mounting for the GPS and put that out of sight as well.

Personal Safety

• Before you leave home decide what you actually need to take with you rather than automatically taking your entire handbag or wallet out of habit.  For example, if you are going to the grocery store for a few items, you can carry cash, a single check, or credit/debit card, I.D. and keys in a pocket.
• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.  This may not be the most fashionable choice but it is the safest.
• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.  Avoid shortcuts.  Walk confidently.  Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.
• Carry your keys and ID separately.  If someone gets your keys and ID, they may go to your home or business and access that location with the keys.
• Always maintain positive control over your items.  Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your purse, wallet or packages unattended.  It only takes a second to grab them.  Never leave your purse unattended, even if it is in a shopping cart.
• If you carry a purse, don’t dangle it from your arm.  Carry it very close to you, preferable with the strap over your shoulder and the purse to the front of your body.  Even better would be to carry the purse over your shoulder across your body and under your coat.
• Take a friend along when doing holiday shopping.  Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being a victim of robbery.
• When paying by cash, only take out the amount needed and keep the remainder out of view.  It’s always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year.
• Beware of strangers who bump, shove or get too close. Pickpockets may use these diversions to lift your wallet.
• Be cautious of those you don’t know who offer to carry bags and packages for you.  Depending on where you shop, store personnel or mall security may offer assistance in carrying packages to your car or escorting you to your vehicle.
• Before returning to your car, make sure you’re not over-burdened with packages.  Have your car keys in hand to avoid searching for them when you reach your car.
• If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.  Do not pursue your attacker.  Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.

Home Prevention Tips

• Don’t openly display wrapped or received gifts so they are easily visible from the street.  You increase the possibility that a burglar will be tempted to gain entry and steal the gifts.
• When disposing of the packaging in which gifts and other purchases come, realize that when you place these out for recycling or trash collection, those boxes sitting out on the curb on collection day give a passer-by a pretty good indication of what’s in your home.  Recycle the packaging, yes - but break the boxes down first, turn them inside out so the exterior writing does not show, and don’t put them on the curb until collection day. 
• Burglars often enter through unlocked doors or windows.  When exterior holiday light extension cords are run inside through a window, this prevents the window from being secured, and this unsecured window is visibly noticeable.  Consider installing an inexpensive exterior outlet for your holiday lights so you don’t provide an opened and unlocked entry to your home. If you are going to be away, let your trusted neighbors know that you plan to be out town so that they can watch your home for you.  If they see suspicious activity while you are gone, they will know to call 911 for you.

Seattle Police recommend that citizens should always call 911 if they see a crime in progress or are a crime, no matter how small a person may think it is.  Crimes can also be reported on-line here.

Tips To Keep Packages And Mail Safe

The Laurelhurst Blog has received an increase in reports of packages stolen from porches with the holidays approaching. 

Some recent reports of stolen packages came from homes located near Laurelhurst Elementary School and on the south side of the Park. 

The Seattle Police reported:

We are at a time of year when we see an increase in package thefts from homes.   Some package thieves will follow or watch for delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made; other thieves may just happen to see the package left at the doorstep of the home, in plain view of the street, and help themselves.

Here are Seattle Police holiday prevention tips:

Package prevention:

• If you are having packages delivered from an online order try to get them sent to your place of work if that's allowed. If not, there are some companies that have lockers available as a pickup location.
• If you are leaving presents out to look at until it's time to open them, try to make sure you can't see them from a window or door in your home.
• If you see someone suspicious checking out mailboxes for deliveries call 911. We need your help on this one, get a good description of the person and their vehicle if they have one.
• Track your shipment: All of the major delivery companies offer package tracking, some providing free alerts letting you know where your package is in the shipping process. 
• Require a signature upon delivery.
• Pick up the item(s) from the carrier’s local hub.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pick-up at their local shipping facility.
• Request the package be left with a trusted neighbor who has agreed to accept the package for you.
• Arrange to have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it.  This could be your workplace, a friend or relative’s home, with a trusted neighbor, the leasing office at your apartment complex or even the local “mailbox” business that may agree to accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If none of the above are viable options, at the very least request the package be placed in a discrete location not visible from the street.

Car Prowl Prevention

• When you exit or enter your parked vehicle, take a moment to look around the area.
• Turn off and lock your car whenever you have to walk away from it.  This includes at gas pumps, ATMs, coffee shops, etc.  Never leave your car idling and unattended.

Before leaving your parked car, always remove the keys, roll up the windows and lock the car.
• Leave No Valuables in Your Car.  Never leave valuables in your car.  Items of little or no value to you still look inviting to a thief.  Even pocket change is enough of an enticement for some thieves.
• If you must leave valuables in your car (say you’re out shopping and still have some stops to make), make sure that nothing of value is within plain view.  Place items in your car trunk out of sight.  Do this when you get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop.
• Don’t leave accessories visible in your car.  You may have taken the Laptop or IPod in with you, but if you leave the USB cables for your laptop or earbuds for the IPod in the back seat, the offender may think those items are in the car and break in anyway.
• If you have a GPS, think about how it is mounted in your car.  If the mounting for the GPS is visible, the thief may think the GPS is in the glove box or under the seat and may break in to try to get it. Have removable mounting for the GPS and put that out of sight as well.

Personal Safety

• Before you leave home decide what you actually need to take with you rather than automatically taking your entire handbag or wallet out of habit.  For example, if you are going to the grocery store for a few items, you can carry cash, a single check, or credit/debit card, I.D. and keys in a pocket.
• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.  This may not be the most fashionable choice but it is the safest.
• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.  Avoid shortcuts.  Walk confidently.  Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.
• Carry your keys and ID separately.  If someone gets your keys and ID, they may go to your home or business and access that location with the keys.
• Always maintain positive control over your items.  Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your purse, wallet or packages unattended.  It only takes a second to grab them.  Never leave your purse unattended, even if it is in a shopping cart.
• If you carry a purse, don’t dangle it from your arm.  Carry it very close to you, preferable with the strap over your shoulder and the purse to the front of your body.  Even better would be to carry the purse over your shoulder across your body and under your coat.
• Take a friend along when doing holiday shopping.  Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being a victim of robbery.
• When paying by cash, only take out the amount needed and keep the remainder out of view.  It’s always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year.
• Beware of strangers who bump, shove or get too close. Pickpockets may use these diversions to lift your wallet.
• Be cautious of those you don’t know who offer to carry bags and packages for you.  Depending on where you shop, store personnel or mall security may offer assistance in carrying packages to your car or escorting you to your vehicle.
• Before returning to your car, make sure you’re not over-burdened with packages.  Have your car keys in hand to avoid searching for them when you reach your car.
• If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.  Do not pursue your attacker.  Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.

Home Prevention Tips

• Don’t openly display wrapped or received gifts so they are easily visible from the street.  You increase the possibility that a burglar will be tempted to gain entry and steal the gifts.
• When disposing of the packaging in which gifts and other purchases come, realize that when you place these out for recycling or trash collection, those boxes sitting out on the curb on collection day give a passer-by a pretty good indication of what’s in your home.  Recycle the packaging, yes - but break the boxes down first, turn them inside out so the exterior writing does not show, and don’t put them on the curb until collection day. 
• Burglars often enter through unlocked doors or windows.  When exterior holiday light extension cords are run inside through a window, this prevents the window from being secured, and this unsecured window is visibly noticeable.  Consider installing an inexpensive exterior outlet for your holiday lights so you don’t provide an opened and unlocked entry to your home. If you are going to be away, let your trusted neighbors know that you plan to be out town so that they can watch your home for you.  If they see suspicious activity while you are gone, they will know to call 911 for you.

Seattle Police recommend that citizens should always call 911 if they see a crime in progress or are a crime, no matter how small a person may think it … View more is.  Crimes can also be reported on-line here.

Picture Of Suspected Package Thief On Boulevard And License Plate Of Another Package Thief Near Park

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information:

On Saturday December 10, my security camera recorded this man looking in my mail box on the 4300 block of 43rd Avenue NE, and alerted me via text.  

When I opened the door to see who it was I asked him what he was doing and then he ran away.  

I've alerted police and will be submitting photo and video to them.  Please keep on the lookout and report to police any suspicious activity in the area.

A neighbor also reported seeing a female steal a package recently from the porch of a home on the corner of NE 41st Street and 44th Avenue NE. The car used was described as a dark Honda Accord with Washington State plates that read BAL 1493.

Police Prevention Holiday Tips Including Package Porch Thefts

The Laurelhurst Blog has received an increase in reports of packages stolen from porches with the holidays approaching. 

Some recent reports of stolen packages came from homes located on NE 41st, a few blocks from the park where the residents were out only a short time and the 3800 block of  42nd Avenue NE, where residents reported seeing someone in a light colored jacket, jeans, tennis shoes with brown hair and a baseball like hat. 

The Seattle Police said:

We are at a time of year when we see an increase in package thefts from homes.   Some package thieves will follow or watch for delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made; other thieves may just happen to see the package left at the doorstep of the home, in plain view of the street, and help themselves.

Here are Seattle Police holiday prevention tips:

Package prevention:

• If you are having packages delivered from an online order try to get them sent to your place of work if that's allowed. If not, there are some companies that have lockers available as a pickup location.
• If you are leaving presents out to look at until it's time to open them, try to make sure you can't see them from a window or door in your home.
• If you see someone suspicious checking out mailboxes for deliveries call 911. We need your help on this one, get a good description of the person and their vehicle if they have one.
• Track your shipment: All of the major delivery companies offer package tracking, some providing free alerts letting you know where your package is in the shipping process. 
• Require a signature upon delivery.
• Pick up the item(s) from the carrier’s local hub.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pick-up at their local shipping facility.
• Request the package be left with a trusted neighbor who has agreed to accept the package for you.
• Arrange to have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it.  This could be your workplace, a friend or relative’s home, with a trusted neighbor, the leasing office at your apartment complex or even the local “mailbox” business that may agree to accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If none of the above are viable options, at the very least request the package be placed in a discrete location not visible from the street.

Car Prowl Prevention

• When you exit or enter your parked vehicle, take a moment to look around the area.
• Turn off and lock your car whenever you have to walk away from it.  This includes at gas pumps, ATMs, coffee shops, etc.  Never leave your car idling and unattended.

Before leaving your parked car, always remove the keys, roll up the windows and lock the car.
• Leave No Valuables in Your Car.  Never leave valuables in your car.  Items of little or no value to you still look inviting to a thief.  Even pocket change is enough of an enticement for some thieves.
• If you must leave valuables in your car (say you’re out shopping and still have some stops to make), make sure that nothing of value is within plain view.  Place items in your car trunk out of sight.  Do this when you get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop.
• Don’t leave accessories visible in your car.  You may have taken the Laptop or IPod in with you, but if you leave the USB cables for your laptop or earbuds for the IPod in the back seat, the offender may think those items are in the car and break in anyway.
• If you have a GPS, think about how it is mounted in your car.  If the mounting for the GPS is visible, the thief may think the GPS is in the glove box or under the seat and may break in to try to get it. Have removable mounting for the GPS and put that out of sight as well.

Personal Safety

• Before you leave home decide what you actually need to take with you rather than automatically taking your entire handbag or wallet out of habit.  For example, if you are going to the grocery store for a few items, you can carry cash, a single check, or credit/debit card, I.D. and keys in a pocket.
• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.  This may not be the most fashionable choice but it is the safest.
• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.  Avoid shortcuts.  Walk confidently.  Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.
• Carry your keys and ID separately.  If someone gets your keys and ID, they may go to your home or business and access that location with the keys.
• Always maintain positive control over your items.  Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your purse, wallet or packages unattended.  It only takes a second to grab them.  Never leave your purse unattended, even if it is in a shopping cart.
• If you carry a purse, don’t dangle it from your arm.  Carry it very close to you, preferable with the strap over your shoulder and the purse to the front of your body.  Even better would be to carry the purse over your shoulder across your body and under your coat.
• Take a friend along when doing holiday shopping.  Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being a victim of robbery.
• When paying by cash, only take out the amount needed and keep the remainder out of view.  It’s always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year.
• Beware of strangers who bump, shove or get too close. Pickpockets may use these diversions to lift your wallet.
• Be cautious of those you don’t know who offer to carry bags and packages for you.  Depending on where you shop, store personnel or mall security may offer assistance in carrying packages to your car or escorting you to your vehicle.
• Before returning to your car, make sure you’re not over-burdened with packages.  Have your car keys in hand to avoid searching for them when you reach your car.
• If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.  Do not pursue your attacker.  Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.

Home Prevention Tips

• Don’t openly display wrapped or received gifts so they are easily visible from the street.  You increase the possibility that a burglar will be tempted to gain entry and steal the gifts.
• When disposing of the packaging in which gifts and other purchases come, realize that when you place these out for recycling or trash collection, those boxes sitting out on the curb on collection day give a passer-by a pretty good indication of what’s in your home.  Recycle the packaging, yes - but break the boxes down first, turn them inside out so the exterior writing does not show, and don’t put them on the curb until collection day. 
• Burglars often enter through unlocked doors or windows.  When exterior holiday light extension cords are run inside through a window, this prevents the window from being secured, and this unsecured window is visibly noticeable.  Consider installing an inexpensive exterior outlet for your holiday lights so you don’t provide an opened and unlocked entry to your home. If you are going to be away, let your trusted neighbors know that you plan to be out town so that they can watch your home for you.  If they see suspicious activity while you are gone, they will know to call 911 for you.

Seattle Police recommend that citizens should always call 911 if they see a crime in progress or are a crime, no matter how small a person may think it … View more is. 

SPD Public Affairs Officer Michaud said:

Without accurate data we can't make educated decisions on where officers are needed because we are only seeing a part of the issue and cannot put more officers into an area.  

So please, always call 911 if you want something done. Just remember that we will always prioritize life safety emergencies over a property crime. This prioritization can drive up response time to property crimes, but we will get there. This will allow us to track it but you won't have to wait for an officer to come speak with you. 

Also not reporting has a secondary effect that manifests in less officers being assigned to an area because call … View more volume for that area goes down.

Crimes can also be reported on-line here.

     

Video Of Federal Express Packages Being Stolen Last Month



The Laurelhurst Blog staff received this email and video of a package theft from the porch of a home on the 3500 block of 43rd Avenue NE last month.

The owner said "Note that she checked the mail first, grabbed two packages and sped off by car."

Packages Taken From Boulevard Yesterday

The Blog Staff received this email:

I would like to give a warning to other neighbors who take advantage of the USPS pickup service to reconsider using that convenience.  

We live in the 5200 block of NE 43rd Street and had 3 packages taken that were scheduled to be picked up by our mail deliverer between 7:30 and 8:30am yesterday, December 5th. We had left the house for that hour.  

I did report to the police. Not a good way to start the holiday gift giving season!

 

Small Black Car Again Seen Involved In Stealing Packages On Ivanhoe Place

We received this email:

On Friday afternoon, 9/6, I had a blonde, pony-tailed teenage girl appeared on my front porch on Ivanhoe Place. She was carrying a package and at first I thought that she was a neighbor who was bringing me a package that was delivered to their address in error.  

When she saw that I was home and was approaching the front door, she ran up my driveway and jumped in a small black car that was waiting for her. She did NOT take the large package on my porch that had been delivered that afternoon. They brazenly continued their heist by driving their car past a few more houses and she jumped out and approached another house, then jumped in the car with another package.  

It took me awhile to figure out what was happening, but I attempted to run down the street after them. I yelled at them, but they sped off and turned right onto Sand Point Way. I was sorry to not be able to get a license plate number.

Here is another email received:

Well, the other person you posted about isn't the only one who lost a package on Friday, Sept 6th. I did and didn't know it. but the story is kind of funny. I went down to Eileen Fisher on Monday because they hadn't called to tell me a dress was in, which I thought was odd. They checked. It was sent to my address rather than the store and it was delivered on the above Friday. They ordered another one.  

On Thursday, an Hispanic woman of my stature but about 4 inches shorter, came in to return it. They knew it was a stolen article and tried to keep long enough for security to get there, but she left. She had my receipt in her hands but messed it up and then wanted a gift certificate--apparently they can be sold. I usually mail things to my office to avoid these sorts of things.