Package delivery safety tips

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department

With the holidays upon us, many people are buying gifts in preparation for the season.  A great deal of people shop on-line.  By doing this, they can avoid the long lines at malls and shop from the convenience of their home.  This results in the home delivery of packages.  With thefts of packages left on door steps prevalent during this time of the year, I was asked to provide some safety tips for people.

The number one goal of on-line purchasing is to receive you items in a timely manner.  Packages should be delivered to your residence if you will be there or to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor.  Leaving items unattended outside your home can be risky.  If the item is taken illegally, you may not be aware of this until long after the incident.  The best method of insuring your delivery arrives safe is to make arrangements in advance to have these packages signed for by a person at your home or to have them left with a person you know.

It is always important to track your packages while they are in transit.  Most companies provide tracking numbers and have up to date information on where your package is located.  Check this process early and often.  This can be done over the phone or on-line.  If you experience any problems or have questions, contact the company or person who is responsible for shipping your package. Safeguarding your investment is important to making sure your holidays are happy and not frustrating.

Finally, congratulations to the Shepherd Hill Rams Football Team for a great season.  They fell just short of winning the High School Super Bowl on Saturday, December 1st at Gillette Stadium.  The coaches, staff, and players should be commended for their hard work and dedication.  They will remember this experience for the rest of their lives.  The community is very proud of their accomplishments.

Thanks again for your questions and comments.  Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.