Cyber Monday deals were too good for many Edmontonians to resist. But thieves know that in five-seven business days, it’ll be Walk Away with it Wednesday. Most of the items shipped from online retails will arrive by Wednesday of next week.
To avoid being the target of thieves, police have some simple tips:
- Track your package and know when it should arrive so that you can arrange to have someone at home on delivery day.
- Ask a trusted neighbour if the package can be delivered to them if they will be home during the day.
- If neither of these options is available, you can arrange to have your packages left at the post office where you can pick them up safe and sound.
“Leaving a package in a mailbox or on your doorstep all day is the perfect target for a thief who can ruin your holiday season in less than a minute,” explains West Division Const. Terri Lynn Smith.
To avoid having your home targeted this holiday seasons, police also recommend:
- Not displaying your presents – this includes not putting the boxes your gifts came outside waiting for the garbage to be picked up. These boxes will give thieves a clue about what valuables are inside the home.
- Watch out for each other. Keep an eye out on your neighbour’s property and ask them to do the same.
- While many of us don’t like snow, it does help to show suspicious footprints around your home which might be an indication that someone is seeking to target your home for theft.
- As always, report any suspicious activity to police.
If you are going on vacation this holiday season:
- Ensure your home looks occupied.
- Have someone clean your sidewalks and pick up your mail while you are away.
- Cancel or hold your newspaper subscription.
- Close your curtains and set lights on timers.
“It’s also important to remember, no matter how excited you are to be going on holiday, don’t advertise that you’ll be away on social media,” add Const. Smith. “You’re just telling the whole world that your home is a perfect target.”