It just seems so easy: order online and within a few days your Christmas gifts magically appear on your front doorsteps.
But be careful.
These attractive packages, delivered by Christmas shipping elves, are also very attractive to those looking for a quick steal. Left unattended, these packages on our doorsteps can quickly disappear while we’re at work or out running errands.
To avoid losing those special packages, here are a few tips:
- If your employer will allow it, have packages delivered to your office.
- Have packages delivered to a place where they can be received in person (like a trusted neighbor or retired family member who is home during the day).
- Request that the shipper hold your package at their pick-up facility so you pick it up in person.
- If you’re purchasing something from a large retailer, consider having your package delivered to the store.
- Request a specific delivery date and time so you can be sure to be home.
- Provide instructions to the shipper so packages can be left in a safe location not visible from the street.
- Sign up for delivery alerts (text messages or emails) from the shipper and call a trusted friend to pick up and hold your package until you can retrieve it.
Christmas time is a great time to introduce yourself to any neighbors you don’t already know, and for everyone in your neighborhood to watch out for suspicious activity.
It’s really a simple idea: neighbors know the neighborhood–they know what’s normal and what might be cause for concern. Neighbors know who should be there and who shouldn’t.
Most importantly, neighbors can make the difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe. They can be a neighborhood’s eyes and ears – and our neighbors can help local police officers prevent and solve crimes.
According to the National Neighborhood Watch Program, burglaries nationwide decreased more than 30 percent when communities took a more active role in stopping crime before it started.
If you see something out of the ordinary, please report that activity. Your call will make your neighborhood safer; and who knows, it might even help us keep Christmas presents on our doorsteps where they belong until we get home.
You can always report things that are out of the ordinary by calling our dispatch center. For suspicious activity in progress, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call our 24-hour number: (707) 463-6262.
Our Food Drive
During the last few weeks, I hope you noticed the Ukiah Daily Journal’s publicity regarding our local Food Bank Fund Drive. I wish I had words to explain how incredibly important this drive is in delivering food to those who would otherwise go hungry in our community – and preventing crime.
If you have donated to the food bank during the last few weeks – thank you!
Your donation means that local families will have a place to turn so they can put food on the table this coming year. Each month, our local food bank serves an average of more than 1,500 residents in inland Mendocino County.
Like many other communities here on the North Coast, our community struggles to support those in need, and our local food bank is a vital part of helping those with nowhere else to turn. Having food to eat and a place to sleep are cornerstones in crime prevention, and your donations to our local food bank help make our community a better place. Thank you.
If you’re still considering a donation – please take the time to follow through. Your donation will really help.
Donations can be made by dropping off a check at the Ukiah Daily Journal Office at 590 S. School Street, or at the Food Bank at 888 N. State Street.
As always, our mission at UPD is simple: to make Ukiah as safe as possible. If you have suggestions on how we can improve please feel free to call me. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cell phone and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website: www.ukiahpolice.com.
