NCCP Crime Alert: Four Easy Steps to Prevent Theft of Packages

 Crime Alert: Four Easy Steps to 

Prevent Theft of Packages 

• Opt to require a signature for all package
  deliveries.  Residents should review the delivery options at “check-out”
   for there is an option to leave specific delivery instructions for the
  delivery company on where to leave packages.


• Consider sending the package to a family member or trusted neighbor who is home during the day to accept the delivery.
    


• Use the “pick-up at store” option for merchandise or  pick-up packages at a local UPS or FedEx location.
    


• Sign-up
   for e-mail or text message alerts from UPS or FedEx.  These alerts will
   notify customers of when packages were delivered.
  
  
  
  

New Castle County Police Department

 

 

  New Castle County Police issue a crime alert: Theft of Package

The New Castle County Police would like to warn residents about the risk of having packages delivered to an empty home.

The holiday season is right around the corner and many residents have started online shopping to beat the shopping mall rush.  Unfortunately, “Package Pirates” are on the look-out for an easy grab.

Last year, the New Castle County Police received a total of 98 complaints regarding the theft of packages. Nearly half of the reports were received in the months of November and December.  Recently, there have been reports of suspicious vehicles following delivery trucks.  We have a few tips to keep “Package Pirates” and Grinches from taking your packages.

 

• Opt to require a signature for all package deliveries.  Residents should review the delivery options at “check-out” for there is an option to leave specific delivery instructions for the delivery company on where to leave packages.


• Consider sending the package to a family member or trusted neighbor who is home during the day to accept the delivery.
    


• Use the “pick-up at store” option for merchandise or  pick-up packages at a local UPS or FedEx location.
    


• Sign-up for e-mail or text message alerts from UPS or FedEx.  These alerts will notify customers of when packages were delivered.

 Remember, if you are a victim of a theft; please call

(302) 395-8172  the New Castle County Police.

CRIME ALERT: PHONE SCAM- IMPERSONATING A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

New Castle County Police are investigating a phone scam where the caller identifies himself as a law enforcement official and attempts to collect money from the victim for outstanding warrants or fines.

County Police have received reports from victims regarding telephone calls from an individual sometimes identifying themselves as “Officer Sharp” or “Lieutenant Sharp” from the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office.  The caller has asked for money in exchange for clearing an outstanding warrant or fine for missing jury duty.

New Castle County Police have seen this type of incident before and would like to warn the public that a law enforcement agency will not telephone a citizen requesting payment for a fine or ask for such payment over the telephone. We encourage citizens to be alert and aware of dishonest people taking advantage of them. Recognizing a phone scam will help to protect your money as well as your identity. If anyone has been a victim of this telephone scam or wants to inquire about the validity of a telephone call from a law enforcement officer can call the New Castle County Police non-emergency telephone number at (302) 573-2800.

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Santa is scheduled for Wednesday December 21, anytime after 6:30pm.

Cranston Heights Fire Company Santa is scheduled for Brookland Terrace on 

Wednesday December 21, anytime after 6:30pm.

OHV/ATV Enforcement

The New Castle County Police reminds residents that Delaware law prohibits the operation of OHV/ATV’s in New Castle County Parks on public roadways, sidewalks, private property (without the consent from the property owner) or right-of-way locations within the state of Delaware.  The only exception to this law is during special events, which require permits from the governmental body having jurisdiction over the area.

The penalties for riding an OHV/ATV in prohibited areas when stopped by police include a citation, possible towing and storage fees and if convicted a fine of $100 and impoundment for up to 100 days at the expense of the owner.  

If there are subsequent offense(s) within 24 months of a prior conviction or of a similar OHV state or local law, statute or ordinance, an operator could face a fine of $400 and impoundment for a mandatory minimum time period of six (6)  months, at the expense of the owner.

Residents are asked to call the New Castle County Police Department with a description of the OHV/ATV, operator and location by calling the non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.   

Citizens can submit crime tips anonymously by going to www.NCCPD.com and following the link for Tips and Alerts. You will be asked for a subject line, the location the tip applies to, and your tip information. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.  Citizens who currently have the Smartphone App are encouraged to use the “submit tip” tab to submit tips.  Select a topic by using the “drop down” and complete the tip by “clicking” submit.  The New Castle County Police Smartphone Application is free to download and available for all IPhone and Android smartphones.