Holiday shoppers: You can safeguard against package delivery thefts, police say

Last-minute Christmas shopping is in full swing.

With some economists projecting more than $100 billion in online spending this holiday season — a consecutive, annual 15 percent spike, according to Kiplinger — it's prompted alerts from law enforcement agencies warning consumers to protect those holiday buys.

"Package thefts at homes definitely are on the increase this time of year," said Ligonier police Chief John Berger.

Last December, Amanda Berkeimer of the Fort Allen section of Hempfield woke up to discover about 10 boxes and packages intended for neighbors and the wrappings strewn across her backyard — sans the merchandise. She posted multiple photos on Facebook alerting residents to the thefts.

State police in Greensburg subsequently charged neighborhood teens with the thefts.

National studies back up the increased theft risk. Insurancequotes.com, an online service that connects consumers with insurance carriers, released a study last month that reports that nearly 26 million Americans — 8 percent of the population — have had a holiday package stolen from their porch or doorstep. That's an increase over the 23.5 million who reported such thefts in 2015.

The frequency of thefts led Pennsylvania State Police to issue a community bulletin offering consumer tips to protect holiday packages.

"Before you click, ship and send online deliveries straight to your home, think about when the package will be delivered and where you will be at the time," the bulletin said.

PSP Community Awareness Bulletin: Protecting Holiday Packages - Experts predict over $100B will be spent on online shopping this holiday season. See below for tips to protect your deliveries against theft. pic.twitter.com/SjS7yVYeg9

" Troop A Public Information Officers (@PSPTroopAPIO) December 7, 2017

Derry Borough police Chief Randy Glick said as he's on patrol in the weeks before Christmas, it's not uncommon to see several packages at a time left on a single doorstep or porch while nobody is home.

"I think sometimes we're making it too easy for thieves," Glick said.

Police offer some recommendations to avoid porch thefts.

Greensburg police Capt. Robert Stafford suggests that consumers have packages delivered to work, if possible. "I know one person who does that every year, and she says it works out well for her," Stafford said.

Berger said if a shopper knows no one will be at home, "arrange to have the package to be delivered to a relative's residence."

Glick said another safeguard is ordering from a company that has an option for signature upon delivery.

"Either you, or someone you know, could be there to sign for it," he said.

State police recommend having packages delivered to a retail store for pickup.

If the shopper knows the date and approximate time of the package delivery, "ask a neighbor to pick it up for you," the agency suggests.

State police urge anyone who sees something unusual to call 911 to report it.

"Another thing people forget this time of year is remembering to lock their vehicles that contain packages. I can't tell you how many time we get reports for thefts out of unlocked vehicles," Glick said.

"I have a garage, which I lock, and I make sure I lock my vehicle that is parked inside of the garage. That's how concerned I am about it," he said.

"A lot of it is just common sense," Glick said.

Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ppeirce_trib.