MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Security cameras were rolling when a thief swiped a couple of packages from an East Memphis home.
The video shows the thief ringing the door bell, standing there for a while, and then grabbing the packages on Belle Meade Tuesday.
“I’m like, ‘Aw man,'” said victim Ted Cashion. “I guess he was trying to look like a repair guy or something. The clipboard was a nice touch.”
Cashion said th thief was so bold, he backed into his driveway. He said his neighbor’s security camera caught the suspect’s SUV driving off.
“I think it’s a crew that runs the neighborhood or neighborhoods, and do it until they get caught,” he said.
Cashion isn’t the first victim and won’t be the last.
A growing problem nationwide since we’re all buying more holiday gifts online.
Memphis Police never got back to WREG with how many thefts have been reported, but across the country, 23 million people reported their deliveries stolen according to InsuranceQuotes.com.
The Postal Service is taking precautions.
For example, if carriers feel like your package is at risk, they will leave a notice asking you to come pick it up.
“Obviously, carriers don’t want that to happen, but they have an awful lot of volume they have to get off that truck every day,” said Mark Weber.
He owns The Mail Center in Midtown, and said many folks get P.O. Boxes and have their packages sent there.
“I would recommend if you can afford to do so,” he said.
If you can’t, the Postal Service suggests having your package shipped to a friend or a neighbor who’s at home during the day or to your office.
As for Cashion, he said the crime is more of nuisance, because he thinks body wash and espresso refills were in those boxes.
“[The suspect] will be disappointed too. Nothing of value. He will probably throw them away. I will have to get them replaced. It’s a waste of both our times,” he said.
The Postal Service sent these additional tips to keep your package safe:
Be a buddy—help a neighbor in need. If you have a stay-at-home neighbor, enlist their help. Ask to schedule your package deliveries to their address, increasing the likelihood someone will be home to receive your package.
Take control of your package’s destiny. The Postal Service provides real-time tracking for a wide-range of products and services to help you customize your package delivery.
• Monitor your package’s status from tender to final delivery on USPS.com. Registered users can also receive status updates via text alerts delivered to their mobile devices.
• Personalize delivery providing specific instructions authorizing your carrier to leave your package in a specified location. Visit USPS.com, track your package, and select Delivery Instructions. You can also request your package be left with a neighbor or held at a Post Office for pickup.
• Redirect your domestic package prior to delivery, using USPS Package Intercept®, available on most letters, flats and packages that contain a tracking or extra services barcode. You can have it held at a Post Office™ as a Hold for Pickup or sent to a different domestic address. You can even request to have it redirected as Priority Mail® back to the sender’s address.
• Schedule your delivery date, by using Priority Mail Express. It’s the Postal Service’s fastest domestic service (with limited exceptions), available 365 days a year. And it guarantees a delivery date to better manage receipt. Priority Mail Express offers a money-back guarantee and overnight scheduled delivery to most U.S. addresses—including PO Boxes™. You’ll also get proof of delivery signature record, tracking services, and $100 insurance (most shipments).
• Upgrade your package’s security to protect it every step of the way. Choose Registered Mail service—the Postal Service’s most secure form of mail delivery. Registered Mail receives special-handling from tender to delivery, documenting the chain of custody of your important item. Electronic verification of delivery or attempted delivery is available upon request. Insurance may also be available to protect against loss or damage.
Enhance security for all your mail, not just your parcels. If you’re concerned about security in your neighborhood, consider renting a Post Office Box at a Post Office nearby your home or place of business. Choose the location that’s convenient for you. Your mail remains secure within the Post Office, accessible only when using the right key or combination. Many Post Offices lobbies are open 24/7, allowing you to retrieve your mail on your schedule.
