As the pandemic increases the number of packages left on doorsteps, Huron County OPP detachment is offering tips to help prevent doorstep package thefts.
This after a porch pirate stole a package from a doorstep last Friday afternoon on Oxford Street in Goderich.
However, a home security surveillance system helped police locate the suspect hiding between two homes in the area of Krohmer Drive and Suncoast Drive East. Police arrested the suspect and a search incident to arrest found the accused to be in possession of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Police were able to locate only some of the stolen property.
A 39-year-old Central Huron woman is charged with Theft Under $5,000 and Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Methamphetamine.
She has been released from custody with a court appearance scheduled for October 5, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice - Goderich.
Police are offering tips to help prevent crimes of this nature:
- Track deliveries online and try to be home at the time a package is delivered
- If possible, request delivery services to get a signature from a recipient
- When scheduling a delivery, leave instructions on where the package can be delivered or ask for a phone call when it is delivered. Even leaving a package out of sight may make all the difference
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to receive your package at the time of delivery
- If allowed by an employer, have the packages delivered to your work
- Have the package delivered to a delivery depot where it can be held for pickup
- Consider installing a motion-detection home security system that records video and sends immediate notice of activity to your cell phone.
- Some stores provide a pickup-in-store service that allows you to pick up items from a nearer location
- Look carefully when ordering, as retailers may have a way of customizing delivery instructions
- Install a locked mailbox
- Contact the sender in a timely manner if a parcel does not arrive
