Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season in Asheville!

Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season in Asheville!

As the holiday season rolls around in Asheville, North Carolina, the streets are buzzing with festive cheer, shopping lists, and anticipation for Christmas. However, with this joyful time of year comes a less delightful trend: porch piracy. The Asheville Police Department (APD) is sounding the alarm and urging residents to take precautions as they prepare for the hustle and bustle of the season.

The Rise of Porch Pirates

As Christmas day approaches, many people in Asheville, including our friends and families, are getting deliveries dropping off everything from gifts to holiday décor. Unfortunately, this surge in package deliveries provides a golden opportunity for thieves, ominously dubbed “porch pirates.” According to the APD, this is a time when thefts occur more frequently, with unattended packages becoming prime targets.

“The people that are doing those types of larcenies, they’re not just one-off. If they did it one time, that probably means they’ve done it ten other times on your street that you don’t know about,” remarked Sean Aardema, Deputy Chief with the APD. His words come with a weight of urgency and obligation as residents prepare for the holiday festivities.

Protecting Your Deliveries

With families busy with all the season’s hustle—whether that be holiday shopping or enjoying festive events—unattended packages become easy pickings for thieves. The APD is encouraging residents to take some simple steps to safeguard their deliveries this season.

One of the simplest recommendations from the APD is to utilize delivery options that allow for specific delivery locations and times. This could mean having deliveries sent to your workplace when you know you won’t be home or specifying a time when you will definitely be there to receive them.

Another excellent idea is to consider installing outdoor cameras. Not only do these security measures act as a deterrent, but they can also help law enforcement catch thieves in the act should theft occur. Aardema pointed out the importance of technology in combating these opportunistic crimes: “We were fortunate that one day a suspect who was suspected in a number of these thefts was caught on a surveillance-based doorbell camera.”

Local Solutions for Holiday Shoppers

If you’re doing your holiday shopping online, especially with services like Amazon, consider sending items to one of Amazon’s local pick-up or drop-off sites in town. This ensures that your packages will be in a secure location until you pick them up, minimizing the risk of theft. It’s much safer than leaving them on your porch or doorstep, where they can be snatched up in seconds.

Stay Vigilant and Alert

Aardema also highlighted the fact that with more vehicles crowding local shopping areas, the likelihood of “bad actors” taking advantage of the situation sharply increases. This means that conversations within our communities about vigilance and neighborly watchfulness are essential this time of year.

“With the increased amount of traffic to area businesses this time of year, then that increases the likelihood of bad actors taking advantage of more cars being in the parking lot,” he added. It’s a reminder for all of us to keep an eye out not only for our packages but for each other as well.

Conclusion

As we gear up for a joyous and memorable celebration, it’s important to be aware of the risks that could dampen our holiday spirits. By taking a few simple steps to protect ourselves and our packages, we can ensure that this season remains filled with happiness, love, and cheer. So, let’s keep our eyes peeled and our packages safe!