CSPD receives more than 50 surveillance videos daily capturing package theft suspects

Colorado Springs Police Department Crime Prevention officers have reported a surge in the number of surveillance videos they are receiving each day from neighborhood watch groups. These videos capture suspects stealing packages, and the officers anticipate a significant increase in such incidents during the upcoming holiday season. As a result, they are urging Coloradans to take proactive measures to minimize these opportunities for theft.

“It’s infuriating to see people working so hard to earn money just to buy gifts for their loved ones, only to have those packages stolen by these individuals. It’s just so frustrating!” expressed Suzi Huntz, a long-time resident of the Colorado Springs neighborhood since 2006.

According to her, the number of complaints about stolen packages has been on the rise over the years.

“I constantly witness my neighbors posting about missing packages and asking if someone else received them,” Huntz shared. “It frustrates me to no end.”

With the surge in online shopping, the number of opportunities for criminals to steal packages has increased, causing Huntz to be on edge throughout the year.

Huntz emphasized the importance of exploring alternative options for individuals who are unable to receive their packages due to work commitments or military service. She suggested that notifying neighbors and allowing them to pick up the packages could be a beneficial solution in such cases.

Jonathan Liebert, from the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, shares our concerns about these crimes.

“It could be a package. It could be money in a letter. All these things are just waiting for someone to take advantage of, to steal them and deceive you,” Liebert warned.

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your holiday package, Liebert advises that the first step should be considering how you make your payment.

Liebert cautioned that purchasing items with a credit card holds significance as it provides a higher possibility of recovering some or all of the money in case of theft. However, it is crucial to note that this is not a guaranteed outcome.

The destination of your package also plays a crucial role.

According to Liebert, Amazon offers a convenient solution for receiving packages through their lockers. Customers can have their items delivered to a locker of their choice and obtain a unique code to access it. This eliminates the need to visit a local post office to pick up the package or have it delivered to their home.

Tracking your package can be a helpful way to stay informed about its whereabouts. However, it’s important to be cautious of potential scam text messages.

According to Liebert, it is important to exercise caution when receiving a notification about a package if you cannot recall any such order. He advises against clicking on any links in such messages.

If you’re purchasing a high-priced package, you have the option to purchase insurance or request a signature upon delivery.

According to Liebert, investing a little more money upfront can potentially save you a lot of trouble later on. Whether it’s a lost or damaged package, being prepared can make all the difference. Liebert emphasizes that although online shopping is convenient, it’s important to be aware that there are people who may try to take advantage of this convenience. So, it’s crucial to remain vigilant throughout the entire process, from the moment you make a purchase to the delivery at your doorstep.

Unfortunately, some of those packages will be stolen this year. So, what should you do next?

• • Verify the theft: make sure the package wasn’t delayed, misplaced, or picked up by a neighbor or family member.
  • Notify all parties involved: notify the seller and the shipper. Delivery companies often have claim instructions on their websites.
  • Contact your credit card company: See if they can help stop payments.
  • Notify law enforcement: Share any details and surveillance video. It documents your loss and can help investigators track crime trends.

Protect Your Deliveries and Learn How to Handle Package Theft