Las Cruces police offer tips to prevent holiday package theft

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - With the holiday season in full swing, package deliveries are on the rise and so are incidents of porch piracy. The Las Cruces Police Department is urging residents to take precautions to protect their deliveries from thieves who target homes.

Porch piracy — the act of stealing packages left on doorsteps or porches — often peaks during the holidays when deliveries increase and many arrive after dark.

Tips to Protect Your Packages

LCPD shared the following suggestions to help residents avoid falling victim to porch piracy:

• Track deliveries: Monitor shipments online and try to be home when packages are delivered.
• Signature requirements: Opt for deliveries that require a signature.
• Specific instructions: Provide delivery services with detailed drop-off instructions.
• Notifications: Request electronic notifications to confirm when packages are delivered.
• Neighbors’ help: Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive deliveries on your behalf.
• Hidden drop-offs: Create a concealed area, like behind planters or landscaping, for deliveries to be left out of sight.
• Workplace delivery: Have packages sent to your workplace if permitted.
• Store pickup: Schedule deliveries from major retailers to their local store for pickup.
• Secure delivery points: Use FedEx or UPS locations to hold packages until pickup.
• Lighting and security: Install motion-activated porch lights or invest in a home security system, like a Ring, Nest or Eufy doorbell camera, to deter thieves and receive motion alerts.
• Neighborhood watch: Stay vigilant for suspicious activity and report it to the police immediately.

Additional precautions

LCPD also recommends purchasing insurance for valuable items at the time of purchase. While insurance won’t prevent theft, it can help recover costs if packages are stolen.

Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure their holiday deliveries remain safe and secure. By staying alert and following these guidelines, the community can help prevent porch piracy this holiday season.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Las Cruces Police Department.