Police warning as thieves target parcels left in 'safe' areas outside West Yorkshire homes

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Thieves are increasingly targeting parcels left in 'safe' areas outside homes, West Yorkshire Police have warned.

Delivery firms are turning to contact-free deliveries and collections during lockdown, encouraging the use of a 'safe place' to leave and collect parcels.

But police warn this has led to a rise in the theft of packages, particularly those left in communal hallways or shared outside areas.

Paul Denison, Crime Prevention Officer for West Yorkshire Police, said: "The big delivery companies like Amazon, Hermes, Yodel, Parcelforce and Royal Mail will have their own policies in relation to deliveries through the COVID 19 outbreak.

"The drivers must ensure their own safety and the safety of others first and foremost but must also have consideration for the safe delivery of those products they are delivering.

"Whilst West Yorkshire Police will pass on any advice to the couriers we deem appropriate, we will encourage home owners to follow advice on how to protect their delivered goods."

How to keep your parcels safe:

- Do ensure all communal external doors are locked and not propped open.

- Challenge people who are wanting access.

- Maintain communal areas

- If there is an option to leave a telephone number and to receive a text once delivery has been then do so.

- Try and obtain a short time slot – not always available with some companies

- Ask landlords to assist with secure internal storage areas, the Police will approve those that are ‘Secured by Design’ accredited.

- Be vigilant and look out for each other