In a pandemic year when more parcels than ever will be making their way to doorsteps, police are advising precautions for those giving and receiving packages.
“Criminals have been anxiously honing their craft in anticipation of the Christmas holiday season, and as in years past, they will not will not miss any sleep or even a blink of the eye, when they steal your treasured gifts … Do not let this happen to you,” noted Nanaimo RCMP in a press release.
On Dec. 3, a parcel was snatched within minutes of its dropoff in central Nanaimo. A neighbour told police a white Jeep pulled into the driveway just minutes after a courier company dropped the parcel at the front door. The suspect driving the Jeep was described as possibly of Middle Eastern descent.
Police suggest that people shouldn’t have any parcels delivered when they aren’t home, and should “arrange for a secondary pick up location or have them delivered when you know you will be home.”
RCMP also warn consumers to take care when shopping online to try to verify that a website is legitimate.
“Online criminals will make websites that mirror real companies. The only difference may be the spelling of the web address. Double check that you correctly entered the web address before purchasing anything,” police say.
To report fraud attempts, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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