The Alameda Police Department is warning residents after seeing an increase in package/mail thefts in the area. 

Authorities say houses are targeted during the daytime when most people are at work or out running errands. 

“Thieves have been seen driving around looking for unattended packages or following unsuspecting delivery vans/trucks,” APD warned.

Police say they’ve also noticed a trend where suspects wearing fluorescent-colored clothing or vests impersonate maintenance or utility workers. 

To deter more crimes, APD is actively patrolling neighborhoods and is urging residents to take precautions to avoid becoming victims. 

Police have issued the following tips when it comes to mail/package deliveries: 

• Be available for delivery.
• Track your packages.
• Require a signature.
• If possible, have packages delivered to your place of employment.
• Consider in-store or Amazon locker pickup. 
• Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail or packages if you will be away for an extended period of time.
• Consider adding a security camera to monitor your home.

Residents are urged to report suspicious behavior of potential porch pirates. 

Suspicious behavior/activity includes: 

• Unauthorized people in restricted areas.
• Vehicles driving slowly and aimlessly through neighborhoods or parking lots. 
• People peering into parked cars, over fences, or into homes.
• People dressed inappropriately for weather or occasion, (i.e., heavy coats in warm weather.)
• People who change their behavior when they noticed they have been seen.

Alameda PD’s non-emergency phone number is 510-337-8340. 

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