Beware of package theft during holidays

With the pandemic currently still raging, the amount of package deliveries have increased with it. The U.S. Postal Service says the volume of packages they’ve processed and delivered is the equivalent of an 8-month-long Christmas rush.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service tells us while they feel mail in Hawaii is safe compared to other areas on the West coast of the mainland, they do receive complaints of package theft across the state fairly regularly.

“We do tend to receive more complaints during the holiday season, and we attribute that to the increased volume,” said U.S. Postal Inspector Brian Shaughnessy. Surveillance cameras can be a deterrent and help with investigations.

If you were to venture out of your home to shop this season, there are ways to protect yourself. Sgt. Chris Kim of Crimestoppers Honolulu tells us before you even start shopping, you should check your vehicle for any empty boxes or bags so thieves don’t think there’s something of value.

“When you’re out shopping, these are criminals they’re looking, they’re paying attention to see who has their guards down, you know, who’s carrying that expensive bag that may have a lot of money in their arm. They tend to stereotype,” Sgt. Kim said. 

While statistically the crime rate is down from last year, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, which people tend to do during the holidays.

By Kristofel Abella
Ka Lā News staff writer

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