Marilyn wrote to tell us that Amazon packages delivered by UPS have been stolen from her porch (around 43rd and Thackeray) twice in the last few weeks. UPS drivers have verified that the packages were delivered to her home ,and she’s home at least part of every day and most evenings. She called 911 to report the theft and the dispatcher remarked that not enough people called to report stolen packages, adding that if folks did call, they would “cruise by, when possible.”
The good news is that Amazon has replaced/refunded the stolen orders; but this is a good reminder for everyone in the neighborhood to watch out for deliveries, if possible.
Our neighbors (the glorious crime-fighting kind) actually chased a package robber down our street to try to retrieve the package they saw him remove from our porch. They were unsuccessful in catching him (though brownies will be delivered for their gallantry). This was around the first week of January around 44th and Sunnyside. When they stopped by to tell us what had happened, they said it was becoming a more common occurrence in Wallingford.
Thanks for the tip. I believe that I had a package of irreplaceable personal items stolen from my front porch in November. I didn’t think to contact police – I only realized that my package was missing well after the fact.
There has also been a rash of burglaries in Wallingford and Fremont lately, according to the map of police reports.
I wonder if this is something renter’s/home insurance would cover?
We had a third package go missing Thursday evening. Amazon has once again replaced the order, but it’s a powerless feeling that someone is coming onto one’s porch and taking things.
FYI – Amazon has a new service called Amazon Locker, which lets you deliver packages to one of their self-service pickup stations (there’s one at Rainier Copy on 45th and University): http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200689010
This just happened to me on Friday! I guess it’s worth a call to Amazon…
With UPS, it’s up to the driver’s discretion whether to leave a package or have it signed for, unless the sender specifically requires a signature. (I think FedEx is the same, not sure what Postal guidelines are.) If you are home during the day, it’s worth asking to have packages sent signature required. (If you’re not home, can you get deliveries at work? It’s an option.) Also, continue to notify senders plus UPS/FedEx/Post Office if packages are being stolen, and the drivers may be more cautious about leaving packages in visible locations. (It’s difficult for delivery drivers–people get mad if their packages aren’t left, and sometime there’s no good place to leave them that isn’t very visible and vulnerable.)
@6–Well, the Amazon locker is all well and good, but there are other businesses to order from. Contrary to what Amazon would have you think.
@4–It’s not likely the packages are worth more than any policy’s deductible, not to mention the probable rate increase for making the claim.
My roommate complained about a package theft at our place up near Latona & 50th. I only get books delivered, maybe that’s why I haven’t been hit myself. Seems like Wallingford has been plagued by petty crime like this for a while. I had problems with car break-ins several years ago. Btw, did your neighbor get a description of the package thief? Maybe it’s worth publishing it here. Perhaps it’s worth setting up a “sting” of some sort as well to catch the thief on film somehow.
If you’re really interested in catching these guys, invest in a “Primos Truth Cam” (~$100 at Amazon). The batteries last for a couple weeks at a time.
I don’t see why drivers just don’t leave the package at the back door – seems like a simpler solution.
My package was stolen today. It was a Japanese book from Japan.
I am sure theif don’t need this book even though my daughter was looking forward to this book to be delivered. I am really upset, but I don’t know what to do.
I’m so sorry about this special book, and I’m afraid the chances are very slim that you’ll get it back. But call whoever the deliverer was, as well as 911–tell them you want to report a non-emergency crime. I have installed a security camera on my porch and had my laurels trimmed way back to prevent (I hope!) more of this in the future. My thefts seemed to occur around 5:30 p.m.–perhaps we can get the Seattle Police to cruise the neighborhood at that time if this is a pattern. I also think the thief may have been watching/following the delivery truck. This is truly frustrating!
Darn it, I hav a package missing too near 43rd and Thackeray. We have never had any packages stolen before.
Last year, we left a bag of clothes out for morning charity pickup, and it was stolen by morning.
If it is visible from the street, that seems to be the issue. Items delivered out of sigh have never been taken.
They seem to be following the delivery trucks, so ‘out of sight’ may not do it any longer.
Following up on this thread . . .
1) File a police report online. It’s very helpful for the police for learning where petty crime is taking place.
2) Contact Amazon. Their customer service is stellar.
3) Do NOT call UPS. When I called them to alert them about crime on this route, they responded by shutting down delivery to my address–they will deliver only if someone is home to receive the package – that is the only option, period. Now if I have a package shipped by UPS, I have to go online and payy $5 for the privilege of redirecting it.
I received packages at this address for 10 years with no incident. Thanks to my “helpfulness” to UPS, now I’m indefinitely blacklisted. I can’t get anywhere with customer service, and I am one heck of a caller and letter writer. Just go on Yelp and read reviews of “UPS hub SODO.”
I don’t understand. What did you expect from UPS? It makes sense for them not to leave packages unattended in an area where unattended packages get stolen.