HOW TO BEAT THE TEDDINGTON DOORSTEP PARCEL PINCHERS
The Metropolitan police highlighted a case of delivery theft in Manor Road, Teddington this week as an example of a pre-Xmas trend.
The alleged thief was arrested but the number of grab and run parcel thefts has risen dramatically locally and police urge residents to take precautionary measures.
In some cases, those parcels could be previous Xmas gifts from abroad or loved ones living far away,
Here are some things the police say you could do to reduce the risk of your Christmas gifts being stolen this year.
π§ Track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery
πͺ Install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system
π‘ Install a security light
π§βπ€βπ§ Arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour or other family members who will be at home; if you live in a flat, is there a concierge who could accept the parcel for you?
π You can also use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations – such as supermarkets – rather than secluded areas which thieves could target
If you think you have had your parcel stolen, you can report it to us by calling 101 or online at π
https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/