TIVERTON — Chief Patrick Jones is pleased to announce that the Tiverton Police Department’s “Safe Station” program is underway once again this year to help residents avoid package theft during the holiday season.
The program was designed to help anyone who is concerned about “porch pirates” this holiday season. A porch pirate is someone that steals newly delivered packages from other people’s porches. They often target larger packages, which may indicate a higher value item.
Until Dec. 24, residents can ship their high-value packages to the Tiverton Police station rather than have them delivered to their home when they may not be there.
To ship a package to the police station:
- Order the package in your name
- Change the shipping address to: 20 Industrial Way Tiverton, RI 02878
- Email Lt. John LeDuc at jleduc@tivertonpoliceri.com with the subject line “SPECIAL DELIVERY” and your contact information
- Wait for notification from Lt. LeDuc that your package has arrived
The Tiverton Police Department will collect the packages when delivered and safely store them until the resident can come to the station with proper identification to claim the delivery.
Residents should only ship their packages to the station through Dec. 24, but can claim deliveries after Dec. 24, if needed.
“We are excited to be offering the Safe Station program once again this year, and hope that we can help residents have a happy holiday season that is free of worry about their deliveries,” said Chief Jones. “We encourage anyone who is concerned about their package, especially packages of high value, to ship their package to the police station where we will be sure that it is kept safe for you.”
According to the National Neighborhood Watch, nearly one in four adults in the U.S. has reported having a package stolen at least once. The Tiverton Police Department would also like to offer the following tips to avoid package theft:
- Set up notifications to track your packages
- Install a security camera in the area(s) outside your home where packages may be delivered
- Require a signature upon delivery to ensure packages are never left unattended
- Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation
- Research potential home security technology and locking device options to protect and monitor packages
- Sign up for the United States Postal Service “Informed Delivery” service, where you can get a daily email with a picture/scan of the mail you will receive that day. To sign up, click here.
The Tiverton Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
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