TACOMA- Thieves Target Packages Left on Porches

KOMO 4 TV reports that thieves have been stealing packages left on home porches by delivery services such as UPS and FEDEX in the Tacoma area. A twist to this long term problem is that the thieves will leave an empty box when they take the just delivered full box. http://www.komonews.com/news/112117539.html.

This kind of theft from homeowners can happen year around and in any neighborhood in Puget Sound, but homeowners are especially vulnerable during the holidays when package delivery volume becomes higher.

Some things you can do to prevent becoming a victim include:

• Have a trusted stay at home neighbor hold your package for you until you come home
• When at home keep a watch for suspicious vehicles following UPS, FEDEX or Postal Service trucks. If you see a suspicious vehicle, call 911 and report the license number, vehicle description, and direction of travel.

UPS suggests:

• Have the shipper require a signature on delivery
• Have the package sent to your work where someone will be present to accept it.

CAR THEFT- Cold Weather Danger

It has turned cold. We have already been through freezing weather and a few days of snow. Some drivers may be tempted to start the car up and let it warm up while they finish getting ready for the day. DON’T DO IT!!!


Each winter local police agencies receive reports of stolen vehicles that were warming up in driveways. Any time the keys to your car or truck are in it, with it warming up or not, and you are not around, only gives a car thief an opportunity to steal your car.

The best way to prevent car theft is to take away the opportunity by:

• Taking your keys with you

• Locking your car doors

• Not leaving anything visible in your car

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Crime Prevention Newsletter

The holiday issue of the Sheriff’s crime prevention newsletter, “Partners in Crime Prevention,” is now available at:


http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/NovDec10.pdf

EVERETT- Increase in Car Prowls

Everett PD has seen a significant increase in car prowls within the city of Everett. This is important information since the holiday season is a prime time for car prowls in parking lots at stores and at shopping centers. Everett PD notes the following:

• Most vehicle prowls occur on Monday’s and Wednesday’s

• You are most likely to be victimized during the middle of the day

• MO: The majority of cases involve breaking a vehicle’s windows to gain entry

• NEW: Vehicle registration and financial information is being targeted

• Prowlers also take everything in plain view including: gym bags, backpacks, mail, etc.

• Suction cup marks from GPS units indicate the high probability of a GPS unit still in the vehicle

• Areas of dense parking, such as shopping centers, big box stores, parks, apartment communities and locations of public activities are being targeted

• If current trends continue, 2010 will have the highest number of vehicle prowls within the past 5 years

Everett PD recommends:

◊ Use a garage or secure location whenever possible

◊ Park in well-lit areas where your car can be seen

◊ Lock all doors & activate your alarm

◊ If you hear or see something suspicious, call 911

◊ Vehicles are not storage units... Take personal belongings with you!

◊ If you must leave items in the car, put them in the trunk prior to arrival