HomeMy WebLinkAbout120716_Package Theft TipsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2016
City of Renton Contacts:
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
Dave Leibman, Commander, Renton Police Department, 425-430-7500
Renton Police offers tips for getting packages delivered to your home safely
Following these simple steps can keep away the thieves and save you heartbreak this holiday season.
Renton, WA – With the holiday season upon us, many residents will do their shopping online. This also
creates an opportunity for thieves to steal holiday packages delivered from homes and the Renton Police
Department would like to remind residents to protect themselves from being targeted.
Here are some tips to help keep your deliveries safe:
Provide instructions for hiding packages . Give delivery services a specific spot to leave your packages:
hidden behind the big planter or tucked behind the grill near the back door, for example.
Schedule the delivery . Pick a delivery time and date through your shipping company and track the progress
online. Alerts are sent, even if the customer does not have the tracking number.
Pick an alternate delivery destination . Have the package delivered to your workplace or to a family
member, friend or neighbor who is home during the day to accept the delivery. The package can also be
sent to the shipping company’s nearest office for pickup or held and shipped later.
Choose the most secure form of delivery . Postal service customers can opt for Registered Mail, where
packages receive special handling from the time they're mailed until they're delivered, documenting the
chain of custody.
Request a signature. When shipping something of high value or just to be sure items aren't left
unattended, request a signature for packages to be released.
Insure all packages. Consider paying extra to insure valuable shipments.
Request a ring . If possible, instruct delivery drivers to always ring your doorbell or knock on your door
when leaving packages.
Going out of town? Place a vacation hold. Before leaving town, plan ahead to have packages held.
Add a security camera/post a warning sign . Video surveillance cameras or signs for security systems are an
effective deterrent to thefts from home exteriors. The threat of being monitored will often stop potential
thieves who don’t want to be identified.
The Renton Police Department encourages you to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 101,300 (2016), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business
climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and
their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks,
and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website (rentonwa.gov),
Facebook page (CityofRenton) and Twitter (@CityofRenton).
You can also follow the Renton Police Department at Renton Police Dept. (@RentonpdWA) | Twitter or
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Renton-Police-Department
###