Police: Packages have a higher chance of being stolen when they are left out to be seen

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - A crime of opportunity is what the police call it.

According to Lieutenant Jason Parmenter, if someone can see your package on your porch or through the window of our home, you could be at risk of your items being stolen. “Especially the Christmas holiday, you know, we do have an increase of people getting those items stolen off of their front porch.”

Parmenter says they encourage people to get tracking numbers on their orders or schedule the delivery time to be when they are home. People can also request for packages to be dropped off behind their homes.

Getting your neighbors together and teaming up to watch for deliveries is also a good thing to do. “Have them, maybe pick up the packages for them,” says Parmenter.

Security cameras can help protect your home and packages, according to Parmenter. If someone who wants to steal can be seen, the theft is less likely to happen. “It just keeps people that want to take those packages from going on there because now they know they are being recorded. So, they’re less likely to come on to your property and take those packages.”

Parmenter says it is important for people to be watchful this time of year to protect their investments; and if anyone sees any suspicious activity, to call the Police Department. The non-emergency number is (641)683-0661.

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