Online shopping tips that deliver your deals and help avoid the steals

Last year’s Black Friday put up some big numbers and some of those sales translated into an avalanche of packages headed to Lowcountry porches. According to Forbes, 87 million Americans spent $9 billion during last year’s day-after-Thankgiving shopping spree.

During these holidays there are those who are out looking to take delivery of packages that were intended to go under your tree. While there has not been a reported uptick package theft in Beaufort County this holiday season, Major Angela Viens, public information officer for Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, there are some helpful reminders to help deter theft.

“Try to retrieve them as soon as you know they are delivered.” If you are not going to be home for an extended period of time, ask for help to keep packages from being ripe for the taking. She said, “Let neighbors know when you are receiving packages, and ask them if they can retrieve them for you.”

Another way to protect packages is to have them delivered to your place of employment. Or, have it shipped to one of the storefront locations operated by UPS, Fedex, or USPS. It’s always a good idea to check with your employer to ensure they will accept packages on your behalf.

–Track your packages throughout their journey up to the time they arrive at your doorstep.

–Installing and monitoring home security cameras won’t stop thieves, but it will capture footage of the crime in case a theft does occur.

–Whenever possible, ship to store. There are some retailers that offer discounts on shipping for this service.

–Install a package lock box near your door or mailbox.

–Leave directions for the delivery person asking them to place the packages out of plain view.

–If a theft does occur, file a police report, notify the sender, and file a claim with the carrier.