PACKAGES STOLEN FROM FRONT PORCH

[jackie f taylor]

Why doesn't UPS, FED EX, USPS text me when a package is delivered, I could notify family, friends, roommates to take the package inside, I don't know if a package is going to be delivered in 2 or 4 days, I have to guess? Who can hang around for days waiting for a pair of slippers or a computer to be delivered ? Why didn't they figure this out before? Seems to me, that notification to the recipient would be less of a problem than going thru the process of notifying the sender, the police and the shipping service, that my package has been stolen. I'm an old man, with dementia, why can I figure this out and the young bright workers today, cannot? Simple solution.

[Tim Liston]

Jackie, a lot of online retailers work with their carriers to notify you by way of your cell phone that packages have arrived, and where they were left. I just got a "notification" by way of my Amazon app that a package arrived. Glad I did, it was sitting on my front step. Two cell phone kickstands (iRing knockoffs), a wall mount for my new mesh network access point to try out, and something for the lovely wife. Amazon is not the only online retailer to offer the notification service. It's not a text though. It's a "notification" generated by their app. All the major carriers work with Amazon: UPS, USPS and FedEx.

(And yes I just put in a mesh network to replace my old Linksys router/repeater stuff. And I LOVE IT. My wifi is no longer a bottleneck and my 15Mb Cox Internet seems to handle two concurrent video streams. Plus a concurrent Chromecast Audio music stream. Bonus! Listening to Kenny Wayne Shepherd over my stereo right now, originating from my cell phone. The lovely wife doesn't like the access points sitting out though so I'm gonna mount one out of site on the wall tomorrow and see how that flies....)

[jackie f taylor]

Thanks Tim, I don't know why I wasn't aware of this practice, with all the on line shopping, I do, it was never mentioned to me,

[Bridget Conant]

Tim gave good advice - most online retailers will notify you of delivery. If not, once you get the tracking number, go to the carrier's site and plug in the tracking number - there will usually be an option to be notified of delivery.

Apparently, there are lots of "porch thieves" working Lakewood. It didn't end after the usual Christmas package thefts. You need to watch for packages or ask a neighbor who is at home to get the package. Also, some UPS and FedEx drivers will leave a package at the back door or other less noticeable spot. If you get to know the drivers you can ask pretty much tell them where you'd like your packages left.

Good luck!

[Dan Alaimo]

FedEx also very good about notifications.