Avoid delivery scams, package theft this holiday season

By the City of Boise

We’re in the thick of the holiday season, so chances are you’ve already started shopping for gifts! Like many people, you’re probably doing some of your shopping online this year and criminals are taking advantage of that.

DELIVERY SCAMS:

Scammers know you’re probably expecting a delivery, so they’re sending fake delivery messages via text and email. In these “phishing” texts or emails, the scammer claims to be an official delivery company, like UPS, USPS or Amazon. The scam text may contain a “tracking link” or a message the shipper is having difficulty delivering a package to you, or most recently, a link to update delivery preferences. Even if you are expecting a package, remember:

Don’t click on or copy any links. Clicking the link in these messages can take you to a form that asks for personally identifying information, or to a site that downloads malware onto your computer.
Most companies provide a tracking number shortly after purchase. Go back to the messages you received from the company when you made the order and check on the status of your package. Keep track of what you have ordered so you have a better idea of what is coming and when.
Go to the delivery carrier’s website directly, or log in and use the retailer’s tracking tools.
Legitimate delivery services usually leave a “missed delivery” notice on your door. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic, and only then follow their instructions.
PACKAGE THEFT:

Thieves will also look for opportunities to steal packages by following delivery drivers, cruising residential neighborhoods, going through apartment complexes, and checking doorsteps. Don’t let a package thief snag your holiday gift from the porch before you do.

You can reduce your chances of having your online order stolen by tracking packages and shipments. Some companies will even let you schedule your delivery.
If you cannot be home for delivery, ask a neighbor to watch for the package and secure it until you get home.
Consider installing home security cameras. A doorbell camera or other visible camera monitoring your property could deter a would-be package thief or provide police with additional evidence of the crime.
Leave specific instructions for delivery when you order the product; you can also do this through the shipper’s online tracking services. Do not leave a note on your door with instructions.
Consider having all your shipments require a signature or have your package delivered to your work or a relative or friend who will be at home.
You may also be able to pick your package up from the post office or a shipping center.
Be aware of suspicious activity that seems out of the ordinary for your neighborhood. Pay attention to unfamiliar vehicles and individuals. Call Police Dispatch at 208-377-6790 to report suspicious behavior.

From City Hall: New Fines and Enforcement Plans to Calm Downtown Traffic

This spring and summer Boise Police will increase nighttime patrols downtown to enforce driving laws and address other public safety and noise concerns. This year, Boise City Council also passed amendments to three Boise City Codes to help calm downtown traffic and deter certain dangerous behaviors.

“Downtown Boise is a vibrant and exciting place to be, and we want all members of our community to feel safe while enjoying their night,” said Captain Mike Ruffalo, Community Outreach Division. “Dangerous driving behaviors coupled with loud noises and modified exhausts on vehicles have caused significant safety concerns and quality of life issues for those living, working, and enjoying downtown.”

One of the changes includes new language in the Motor Vehicle Noise Ordinance that addresses drivers who unnecessarily rev their engines creating noise that can be heard 50 feet away. This violation applies to moving, stopped, and parked vehicles.  Additional changes address modified exhaust systems which result in excessive smoke from vehicles, loud engines, as well as loud popping sounds.  Due to an increase in this backfiring sound, officers and the public have reported hearing what sounds like gunfire regularly while downtown, especially on weekend nights.  Boise Police officers have spent years writing citations for drivers with a modified exhaust but the $67 fine has not deterred many drivers from being repeat offenders.  Beginning this weekend, that fine will increase to $356.50.

As part of an overall strategy to increase safety downtown, Boise Police traffic enforcement officers will begin patrols in the early evening on eastbound I-184.

“Vehicles coming into downtown Boise on I-184 are often observed at over 100 mph and routinely 20mph over the posted speed limit of 60mph. We have found that stopping racing and reckless driving on I-184 lessens similar behaviors that occur later in the downtown core,” said Captain Ruffalo.

Officers will also continue to address other driving behaviors and public safety concerns in the downtown core including drag racing, excessive acceleration, loud stereos, fighting, vandalism, underage drinking, and drivers failing to yield to pedestrians/bicyclists.

“The cruise has been a longtime destination for drivers.  There are many competing interests in downtown Boise, and we want to let drivers know that in the interest of public safety, Boise Police will contact drivers who are speeding, causing unnecessary engine revving, driving aggressively, have equipment violations on their vehicles, or have modified exhausts systems to include but not limited to those that cause a popping or backfiring noise among other city code violations.”

These city code changes apply city-wide and similar targeted traffic enforcement could happen in other areas of town as needed.