Sheriff: Holiday deliveries susceptible to theft

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Vigo County Sheriff's Office

With the holiday shopping now in full swing, so are the thieves. 

​During this time of year where many people purchase online and have item shipped to their homes, the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you that you can protect your deliveries from would be thieves.

“We see an increase in theft of parcels from door steps during the holiday season” Sheriff Greg Ewing said.

 With online shopping becoming more popular with offers of free shipping the VCSO has seen an increase over the past few years of delivery theft.

The VCSO has taken reports in previous years where thieves follow a delivery truck and once the truck pulls away from the house they go steal the delivery from the doorstep.   Yet others simply drive through neighborhoods looking for packages to take.  Many of these reports come from alert neighbors who observe the theft.  Sheriff Ewing encourages neighbors to watch out for one another and to report suspicious vehicles or activity in their area to your local law enforcement agency. 

“If you see something, say something” the Sheriff said. 

You can avoid falling victim to this type of theft by being informed.  Sheriff Ewing says that many of the common carriers like UPS and FedEx offer free apps that alert by text message, email or both that your packages are expected to arrive and when the package has been delivered.   Notifications also include delays. 

“This is a great tool to keep your stuff from a thief” Ewing said.  Another less technical method is to ship your purchase to an alternative address where someone will be home like a family member or your workplace if allowed.