CPD Reminds Shoppers to Protect Their Delivered Packages and Report Any Thefts This Holiday Season

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just days away, the Cambridge Police Department wants to once again remind residents to take precautions when ordering online and shipping their packages.

As the holiday season approaches, the Cambridge Police Department expects package thefts to increase. This is despite the fact that the number of reported package thefts from doorsteps and lobbies has declined 28 percent through the first 10 months of 2017 versus the same time frame last year (78 versus 109).  For a complete geographic breakdown of these thefts in Cambridge in 2017, please see below:

While most online retailers insure and/or reimburse customers in the event of package thefts, the Cambridge Police does want to strongly encourage residents to report any criminal activity, so that the department can best understand where and when to deploy its resources to limit this and other crimes. 

The Cambridge Police are also taking several proactive measures to deter package thefts this season. In the coming weeks, officers will be conducting door-to-door outreach in neighborhoods that have historically been victimized by package thefts. They will educate residents about these larcenies, the ways they can protect themselves and remind them about the importance of reporting any thefts. Officers will also be deploying “bait packages,” in which select packages will be equipped with GPS tracking devices. When a suspect takes a package, officers can be notified and respond to the location to contact the individual in possession of the package. 

Lastly, the Cambridge Police reminds residents to follow these tips to help protect themselves and their packages: 

• Request the delivery of package(s) via a signature to ensure the package will not be left on the front steps or foyer
• Track your packages online, so you have a better idea when it is scheduled to arrive.
• With the United States Postal Service delivering packages seven days a week through the holidays, request that your packages arrive on a weekend day, if you plan on being home. 
• Have your packages delivered to your work address or to a neighborhood friend or family member who would be home, in the event that you are not.
• If you’re suspicious or have experienced this type of activity, report it to the Cambridge Police Department immediately by calling 617-349-3300.