Columbia police investigate package thefts

Columbia police are investigating multiple package thefts in several neighborhoods.

CPD said it has taken several reports since Monday from residents in the 1100 block of Lakeview Avenue, the 600 block of Shakertown Way and the 2000 block of Cecil Street.

Police wouldn’t confirm whether these incidents were related.

Several neighbors on Shakertown Way told ABC 17 News they’re on the lookout for a package thief.

One resident said a neighborhood-wide email has been circulating warning other neighbors about the incidents and described a suspicious man walking down the street at a fast pace around the time the packages were stolen from front porches.

A report from the Princeton Survey Research Association said 23 million Americans have had packages stolen.

UPS has recommendations to protect online shoppers. Rather than have packages delivered to your door, you can have them sent directly to UPS or FedEx stores.

UPS recently launched the UPS Access Point Network where you can have packages delivered to 8,000 different locations across the country.

UPS also recommends tracking packages by email, and if you do have packages sent to your door, it’s recommended you request a signature upon delivery.

UPS predicts Tuesday, December 22 to be the busiest delivery day this holiday season.