As the holiday season arrives in Issaquah, so do the many packages and gift boxes delivered straight to our doorsteps. Unfortunately, this also marks the busiest time of year for package theft. With so many deliveries visible on porches, opportunistic thieves—often called porch pirates—are quick to take advantage.
Why Package Theft Increases During the Holidays
The combination of increased online shopping and frequent daytime deliveries means packages are often left unattended for hours. Thieves typically look for easy targets, such as homes where boxes are left in plain view.
Neighborhoods like Issaquah Highlands, with dense housing and easy access roads, can be especially appealing to these criminals. The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can sidestep the frustration of theft altogether.
Practical Prevention Tips
Issaquah Police Department (IPD) encourages residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Use alternative delivery locations
Ship your packages to a more secure location, such as your workplace, a trusted friend or neighbor’s home, or any Amazon Locker stations across Issaquah.
2. Track your packages
Enable tracking notifications via text or email so you will know exactly when your package is delivered and can bring it inside quickly. Signing up for tracking can be done on UPS, FedEx or other shipping company’s websites.
3. Require a signature
Many retailers offer the option to require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that packages won’t be left out unattended.
4. Provide detailed delivery instructions
Ask drivers to leave packages in a less visible area, such as behind a large planter, near a side entrance, or behind a railing or fence.
5. Install a visible security camera
While cameras don’t guarantee prevention, they can act as a deterrent and are extremely useful for law enforcement if a theft does occur.
6. Consider a locking parcel box
A secure parcel drop box on your porch can safely store deliveries until you get home. Just like your mailbox, be sure to empty it daily and never leave items inside overnight.
7. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
This free service allows you to preview incoming mail and packages so you can plan for retrieval.
8. Don’t leave packages out overnight
Before you go to bed at night, check your porch to make sure all packages have been picked up.
Work Together: Be a Watchful Neighbor
Keeping our neighborhood safe is a shared responsibility. IPD urges residents to remain alert and to look out for one another:
- Report suspicious behavior immediately by calling 911 or IPD’s non-emergency line at 425-837-3200. This includes vehicles following delivery vehicles or people looking on porches.
- Communicate with your neighbors, especially if you’ll be out of town and expecting deliveries, so they can collect them while you’re gone.
What to Do if a Package is Stolen
If you fall victim to a package theft, please report it:
1. Report the incident to IPD right away using the non-emergency number.
2. File a claim with the shipping carrier or retailer, many offer replacements for stolen items.
3. Share video evidence, if available, to assist officers in identifying and locating the suspect. Steps for this will come from the officer when you make the report, so have it downloaded and ready.
Keep the Holidays Joyful and Secure
A few simple steps can go a long way in preventing package theft and ensuring your holiday season stays focused on what matters most: celebrating with loved ones. Let’s work together to make this a safe and happy holiday season in Issaquah.
