Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1513133
Page 10 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, December 14-December 20, 2023 The rise of online marketplaces and expedited delivery services is convenient for many consumers nationwide, allowing shoppers to search for the perfect gift for friends and family. Unfortunately, purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee you will receive it. According to a Security. org study, approximately 79% of consumers experienced package theft in 2022. Package thieves, also known as "porch pirates," often take advantage of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible. As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your residence, type, and community. For instance, preventing package theft at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a suburban residential community. However, consumers can use specifi c strategies to discourage the act no matter where they live. BBB provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your plans: • Check with neighbors. Sometimes, your package may not be stolen simply at the wrong address. Before fi ling a report or contacting the sender, check with your neighbors and see if the delivery service may have dropped off your package at the wrong address. Many delivery companies will take pictures of your package in the designated location – be sure to check for the photo and verify it is at the right spot. • Don't leave unattended packages. When possible, do not leave delivered packages unattended for long periods. If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. Ask your neighbors if they mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time. • Ship to store. If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identifi cation before releasing packages they have received, and this is a sure way to avoid porch pirates. • Use a security camera. Installing a home security system with cameras or a camera-enabled doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifi cally states that the residence is under surveillance. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase). • Require a signature. Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those often at home, especially for expensive items, it may create diffi culties in receiving packages if your schedule and the delivery service differ. Be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts. • Consider a package receiving service. Some major retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package-receiving locations away from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick them up on your way home. 667 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton ., NC Lisence NC Lisence 1110 1110 P.W. P.W. 704-482-5096 704-482-5096 828-859-9773 828-859-9773 •Fire Ant Control Specialists •Rats •Ants •Roaches •Fleas •Termites •Termite Letters •Water Proofi ng •Moisture & Water Control •Mold Testing & Remediation www.goforthpest.com FREE QUOTES BY PHONE 828-287-3188 MENTION THIS AD FOR $ 20 OFF 20 OFF YOUR NEXT NEW SERVICE! Volunteers assist with packing boxes at an Isothermal Community College/Washburn Community Outreach Center sponsored food distribution recently at ICC. 250 households received food through the partnership. Washburn supplied the food delivered by Second Harvest in Charlotte and also kept records. ICC provided the volunteers to pack boxes and distribute. Article & Photo Provided By: Jean Gordon Partnering to distribute food If you're unable to get your regular copy of Rutherford Weekly, view it online at rutherfordweekly.com rutherfordweekly.com Our Our Digital Edition Digital Edition is is FREE! FREE! To receive a copy of each week's publication via email, To receive a copy of each week's publication via email, click on click on "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" It's That Simple! It's That Simple! Our Online Version Same As The Printed Copy! Don't Miss This Week's Don't Miss This Week's RUTHERFORD RUTHERFORD WEEKLY WEEKLY Volunteers Linda Cote' (left to right) Bill Cote' and Ron Patterson at the Detachment 1221 of the Marine Corps League headquarters in Forest City are sorting books for distribution to children for Christmas. There are books for children of all ages. The Marine Corps expects to provide Christmas gifts for more than 1,000 children this year. "The League does an amazing job, all are non- paid volunteers," said Troy Stanley, coordinator of Toys for Tots. "We are committed to the needy children of Rutherford County, if anyone wants to contribute in toys or money contribution, you can bring toys to 120 West Trade Street, Forest City or mail a check made out to toys," Stanley said. The money collected is spent in Rutherford County. There is still time to apply for assistance for children. Applications can be taken online or at the headquarters on Trade Street in Forest City. Deadline to apply for help is Dec. 18. Christmas toys and gifts will be distributed December 22 and December 23 at the headquarters. Article & Photo Provided By: Jean Gordon Dec. 18 is deadline to apply for Toys for Tots assistance; donations accepted Article Provided By: Juliana O'Rork BBB Recommends 6 Steps to Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL BUY