Parcel Package Thefts
Many residents will soon be taking advantage of online holiday sales. While great deals can be found, many thieves choose to go holiday shopping by stealing packages from front porches.
Seeing a package on the front porch is a tempting and invitation for a thief.
Always use the delivery carriers’ online tracking to follow the progress of your package. You may also be able to obtain alerts when the package is delivered.
Here are some safety tips to remember:
- If your employer allows it, consider having packages delivered to your work.
- If you have a video doorbell, be aware of activations so you can monitor the delivered packaged.
- Always pick-up packages promptly, NEVER leave them overnight.
- Instruct the carrier to leave packages someplace out of plain view from the street.
- If you are unable to pick-up your package, consider having a neighbor pick it up for you.
- Consider having the delivery carrier hold the package at their local facility for you to pick-up.
- If shipping from “Amazon,” consider using their lockers for pick up. This is recommended for apartment and condominium complexes where packages are left in the common mailbox area.
Thefts from Unlocked Vehicles Continues
Recently, we have seen a rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles. Many residents unintentionally leave their car doors unlocked, making it easy for the thief to enter.
We have seen surveillance videos where the thief walks down the street and pulls door handles to find an unlocked door. Once inside an unlocked vehicle, the thief will rummage through the interior and take anything of value.
Losses have been small items such as loose change, sunglasses, clothes, vehicle registrations to expensive items like laptop computers, spare car keys, and wallets. Often once a wallet is stolen, the thief will immediately use the victim’s credit card to make a purchase.
Always remember to double check that you have locked the doors and rolled up the window to your vehicle before walking away, and NEVER leave valuables or spare car keys inside your vehicle.
The Crime Prevention Unit offers these FREE services
- Engravers to mark your property “Community Opportunity for Property Security (COPS) Program.”
- Home Inspection Surveys.
- Email alerts of crime bulletins and weekly crime summary.
If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Group or receive future copies of this newsletter, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit.
No Shave November
Employees of the South Pasadena Police Department will again participate in the “No Shave November,” a fundraising campaign dedicated to addressing three major health challenges facing men’s health: mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
For the month of November, police employees will be allowed to grow their facial hair to help raise awareness. Instead of spending money on grooming supplies, employees will donate the money to the campaign.
Residents can also help the cause by donating to the campaign and support the police department by visiting this link. Every donation goes directly towards funding research and support for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer research.
Holiday Overnight Parking Exemption
To enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays with your family, no overnight parking permits will be needed between Monday, November 24, 2025 through Sunday, November 30, 2025.
However, this exemption does NOT exempt a vehicle from being parked for more than a consecutive 72-hour period on any public street.
