Package Thefts from Your Porch? Strange Car in Your Driveway? Our Annual Holiday Warning
During the winter holiday period in recent years, packages delivered to front porches have disappeared.
Over the summer, packages were stolen from porches in the 800 block of Blair Avenue, the 1500 block of Grand Avenue and the 100 block of Sunnyside Avenue, where packages were taken from the front porch of several homes. Vehicles associated with these thefts were a newer blue/grey 4 door hybrid SUV and a white moped/scooter with a black seat. If you have any information regarding these thefts, contact Piedmont Police Department Detective R. Coffey at 510-420-3015.
Police tips for safe package delivery:
1-Don’t leave packages out for extended periods of time. Reach out to your neighbors and ask them to bring packages inside.
2-Use an alternate shipping address like work or a friend/relative that you know will be home to receive packages.
3-Choose shipping options that provide for advanced package tracking, allow you to redirect a package, receive detailed updates on estimated delivery time, and send an email or text once your package has been delivered.
4-Install a security camera. Security cameras can deter burglars, keep your packages safer, and help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Products like Nest Cam Outdoor and the Ring doorbell are inexpensive ways to increase security.
Strange Car in Your Driveway? ——–
Caution: If this happens to you, do not engage. You are advised to call the police.
On Wednesday, November 7 a Piedmonter returned home to find an older model sedan parked at the top of his driveway, blocking access to his garage. There were two occupants in the car. After several minutes of waiting to see if the car would back out of his driveway, the homeowner gave a light toot on the horn. There was no reaction to his horn. The strange car did not move.
A few minutes later a female passenger got out of the intruding car and informed the homeowner they had car trouble and were trying to figure it out. She then explained that they had just delivered a bin in the neighborhood.
Five minutes later the car backed out of the homeowners’ driveway and drove off with no evidence of car trouble.
When encountering suspicious situations such as described above, residents are advised to promptly call:
