The Lower Moreland Police Department has shared advice on how to avoid becoming a “porch pirate” victim during the holidays.

From their announcement:

December has arrived and the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Many of us enjoy the convenience of online shopping, but with that comes the fear of ‘porch pirates’ who like to go shopping on our porches at your expense. 

Here are just a few things to keep in mind before you hit the PAY button during that online transaction: 

1. Increased online activity can provide opportunities for cybercrime.  Be sure you are using secure sites to make your purchases and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.  
2. Consider the following:  Send packages to your place of business. Sign up to receive a notification when it’s delivered. Ask a neighbor to retrieve it. Track your packages online. Require a signature. Install a security camera. Consider sending your packages to a 24/7 package locker, where it will be kept secure until you can pick it up.  
3. If you see suspicious activity, such as a vehicle continuously following the FedEx, UPS, or Amazon delivery driver after multiple stops, please be sure to call 911 right away.

Happy Holidays!!

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Image: LMPD