Police warn of holiday package thefts

With more and more people getting packages delivered to their homes around the holiday, police are urging people to be aware of thieves.

Minneapolis Police said there’s a dramatic increase in package thefts around the holidays each year, largely due to an increase in deliveries to homes and items getting left unattended and outside.

Thieves will often follow delivery trucks and take advantage of fresh deliveries, and they’ll seize the opportunity if they see an unattended package, police said.

Police urge people to:

• Note which delivery service (Amazon, Fed Ex, UPS or USPS) is delivering your package.
• Keep your tracking number and follow up with the company if you fail to receive your package.
• Have items shipped to a location where you know someone can accept it (workplace, neighbor, local store).
• Consider selecting the "signature required" option.
• Watch for suspicious activity at your home and neighboring places and call 911 if any is seen.
• Invest in a camera doorbell so you are immediately alerted when you get a delivery or anyone approaches your home.
• Fully insure packages in case of loss, damage or theft.
• Get to know the delivery people.
• Upgrade to a locking mailbox for small deliveries.

MPD says anyone who sees someone take or attempt to take a delivery should call 911. Anyone who discovers they’ve been the victim of theft doesn’t need to call 911 but can still file a report online.