Gainesville Police are investigating two recent cases of porch piracy in which items valued at more than $1,500 were reported stolen.
One occurred between Friday and Monday on New Holland Way. The 31-year-old victim said the items were valued at $1,526.
The second occurred Monday between 1:30 and 2:30 on Green Hunter Lane. In that case, the victim, who was also 31, said the merchandise had a value of $60.
And with such thefts only expected to increase as Christmas draws nearer, the Better Business Bureau offers these tips if you are expecting a delivery:
*Don’t leave unattended packages
*Ship to store or post office box
*Customize your delivery. Three ways to do it:
- Add specific delivery notes when placing an order so drivers know where to leave packages.
- Use your delivery company’s app or website to redirect a package to another address or pickup point if you won’t be home.
- Reschedule delivery for a day or time when you’ll be available to accept the package.
*Use a security camera
*Require a signature
*Opt-in to notifications. Two ways to do it:
- Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop. Opt-in to shipping-related emails.
- Set up your own notifications with your smartphone or app to remind you of the date and time of expected delivery.