Planning helps guard against package theft
A few weeks ago, 10 packages containing jewelry were delivered to the front door of Nana Burchuladze's Buffalo Grove condo. By the time she got home, though, they were gone.
It's the holiday shopping season, so packages will likely pile up in increased numbers outside houses, condos and apartments. Thieves, however, are waiting for your packages, too.
"Someone just helped themselves," said Burchuladze, who lost an estimated $1,700 in jewelry. A nurse practitioner at Glenbrook Hospital, her packages were delivered while she was working.
Burchuladze couldn't get her money back, since the package tracking service confirmed the boxes were successfully delivered, and she didn't buy insurance.
"It happened to me today, and it is going to happen to someone tomorrow," Burchuladze said.
There are ways to minimize your risk of theft, say some of the top delivery services, by doing a little planning and using the Internet.
Dan Cardillo, a spokesman for UPS, said customers are notified about what time their packages will be delivered. If they won't be home, they can set up delivery to an alternate location using the online application UPS My Choice. Those alternate locations can include a trusted friend, their workplace or even a nearby UPS store. Online tools are also available with other carriers and the U.S. Postal Service.
Look around
Think a package has been stolen? Before calling the police, check carefully around the premises for a hidden package or a note. U.S. Postal Service carriers are trained to not leave a package in a public place, said spokesman Sean Hargadon. "The postal policy is to deliver the package, but if the carrier feels it is not a secure location they will leave a note for the customer to pick it up at the post office," Hargadon said. UPS and FedEx drivers also are trained to place packages out of sight and out of the weather if a customer is not home.
Call the police
Sgt. Joe Pinnello of the Arlington Heights Police Department said police treat package thefts like any other. They'll try to retrieve stolen packages, but it's difficult, he said.
Officers write reports, check any surveillance footage and canvass the immediate area to see if someone witnessed the crime.
"It could be anyone out there driving around picking up packages," Pinnello said.