Dear postal Christmas parcel recipients: Police are warning the Counties Manukau community about the “grinch lurking on their doorsteps”.
‘Tis the season for opportunistic parcel thieves, police say, and they’re calling on residents and businesses to be vigilant around ensuring their special deliveries are secure.
Counties Manukau East area prevention manager, inspector Rakana Cook, says heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries, police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft.
“During this time of year there are more chances for your presents or purchases to be stolen.
“Thieves will often take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target,” Cook says.
Counties Manukau Central area prevention manager, inspector Warrick Adkin, says there are a number of actions people can take to protect themselves from mail theft.
“One of those is sending parcels to a work address or ensuring you’ll be at home when they arrive.”
Police say “other top tips to reduce the risk of mail theft” are:
- Have a secure location where parcels can be left.
- Clear letterboxes regularly.
- Put a hold on mail deliveries if going away.
- Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within properties.
- Install security cameras and/or security camera messaging near letterboxes or at the front of properties.
- Where practical, consider click and collect over delivery.
- Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passersby can’t see if expensive items have been purchased.
Adkin says anyone who sees anything suspicious, like an unknown person on a neighbour’s property after a delivery, should report it to police immediately.
Suspicious activity can be reported to police on 111 if it’s in progress, or 105 if it’s after the fact.
