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Police issue warning after parcels go missing from Nanaimo doorsteps

Nanaimo RCMP offer tips on how to prevent parcels from being stolen
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Nanaimo RCMP are issuing a warning about parcel theft incidents and offering advice on how to prevent deliveries from being stolen. (Stock photo)

Nanaimo RCMP are warning the public that there have been recent incidences of parcel theft, and are recommending measures to try to guard against it.

One such theft happened Oct. 2 from a home in the 500 block of Kennedy Street and the most recent happened sometime between Monday and Thursday from a home in the 600 block of Victoria Road, according to an RCMP press release.

The items stolen ranged from home appliances to security equipment.

Home owners were expecting parcels to be delivered by a local courier company and, in both cases, the courier company confirmed the parcels were delivered.

“It is not uncommon for thieves to follow courier trucks and wait for parcels to be dropped off,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP, in the press release. “They will wait patiently and if it is not picked up in a few minutes, they move in and take it.”

To prevent parcel theft from happening, police recommend having deliveries scheduled with the shipping company for times someone is home to receive the parcel or add instructions to keep packages off the front porch. Simply having parcels delivered to a side door where it is not so visible can be a deterrent, police say.

An alternate delivery location, such as a workplace, is also recommended, or having it left with a trusted friend or neighbour or arranging to have it held at the local shipping depot until pickup.

Anyone with information about this month’s parcel thefts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file No. 20202-36970.



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