Police sergeant Rowan Steenkamp said we were heading into the busiest time of the year for postal deliveries and police wanted to remind everyone to do what they could to stop parcel theft.

As we approach Christmas, more packages are being delivered and the likelihood of your gifts being stolen increases.

“Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and packages left on the front doorstep or in common areas of the apartment are an easy target,” Steenkamp said..

Our recommendation is this:

• Have packages delivered to a pick-up location or work address at home.

• If delivery is being made to your home, make sure you are home to sign for the delivery or have a safe place for them to leave the delivery.

• Make sure your delivery instructions are clear and ask that packages not be placed at your front door or on top of your apartment mailbox.

• If you will not be home when the package is delivered, pick up your package from the warehouse or have the package forwarded to the address of someone you trust.

• Be smart when you dispose of packaging so passersby can’t see what you’re buying.

• Report any suspicious behavior to the Police; For example, if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door and asks for someone you don’t know.