Hopkins Police: Beware of Package Thefts

are warning residents to beware of package thefts taking place as holiday gift orders arrive.

Just on Monday, police that someone had stolen packages left in front of homes. The opportunity for such thefts has increased with the trend for online shopping and home delivery.

Police ask residents to be alert and call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious.

Hopkins police also offered the following holiday crime-prevention tips:

If You’re Traveling...

• Set an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask your neighbor to watch your home, shovel the walks, pick up newspapers, collect mail, and park in the driveway from time to time to make the house look lived in.
• Be sure to keep any gifts that may be left in the house out of sight while you're gone.
• Make certain everyone buckles up in the vehicle, on every trip!

If You're Out for the Evening...

• Turn on lights and a radio or television so that it appears that someone is home.
• Lock all doors and windows while you're out, even if just a few minutes.
• Do not place packages or gifts near windows or in other high-visibility sites.
• Designate  a sober driver.

If You’re Shopping...

• Don't let your guard down just because you are in a rush.
• Stay alert and be aware of everything around you at all times. Report suspicious activity by calling 911. The police need your eyes and ears to assist them.
• Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors, and place packages out of sight in the trunk.  Be certain to hide items each time you return to the car, not when you arrive to the next store!
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash, pay with a check or credit card if possible. Tell the clerk to check your I.D. if they do not ask for it. Don’t discard your receipts until you get home. Thieves like to collect receipts and use them to return items that were stolen from store.
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in a front pants pocket. Don’t leave your purse in a cart and walk away. **Fanny packs are great for shopping!!
• If you take your children shopping, teach them to go to an employee wearing a uniform and working at a cash register if they get separated or lost.

If a Stranger comes to the Door...

• Stay alert to suspicious-looking couriers delivering packages to you or your neighbors.
• Many con artists take advantage of holiday generosity by going door-to-door. Only donate to charities that you initiate contact with.
• If you feel uncomfortable, just say "no thank you" and shut the door.

If You're at Home...

• Turn on outside lights to deter burglars.
• Park your vehicles inside a locked garage if possible.  If you must park outside, make certain that everything is removed from your vehicle and that you lock the doors.
• Report any suspicious behavior to the police immediately.
• Do not leave cardboard boxes or easy to read packaging materials from electronic gifts just stacked at the end of your driveway for pickup (be sure to break them down so thieves do not know what new items you have).
• Make sure your homeowners (or renters) insurance is up-to-date and everything is inventoried properly, with a serial number or Operation I.D. number.  Contact the police department for a free Operation Identification kit!

Most Importantly…

• Get to know your neighbors!  The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to stop in and say hello to a neighbor, just to wish them well. 
• Make it your New Year’s resolution to join or start your own Neighborhood Watch! For more information contact Police Services Liaison Anne Marie Buck by phone at 952-548-6407 or by email at: abuck@hopkinsmn.com.
• Relax…and enjoy yourself!