Hey, there! Log in / Register

Thieves stealing packages off people's front steps in South Boston

By adamg on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 11:37am

District C-6 reports:

There have been multiple reports of the theft of packages after they have been delivered to address in South Boston. The packages were from Fed-Ex, UPS, USPS, and other delivery services. The suspects may be following the delivery trucks on their routes.

Neighborhoods: 
South Boston
Topics: 
Crime


Ad:


Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

By eeka on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 12:27pm.

So why are these package deliverers leaving packages where they're not secure?

I had UPS leave something, in a box printed with a trendy/expensiveish manufacturer logo, on my front steps that go right onto the sidewalk. Of course it was gone when I got home. UPS wouldn't reimburse me since they said their drivers can leave shit if they feel it's a secure location. I asked them if they felt leaving this box on front steps in the city within reach of the sidewalk was secure and they said it was the driver's judgment.

Amazon replaced it for me with no questions asked, fortunately.

up
Voting closed 0

By captaingeneral on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 12:49pm.

I would dare say that most locations where packages are delivered are not secure. Even if a package was left inside an apartment building, someone could walk away with it.

I usually have expensive items delivered to my work place to be on the safe side. You can't place to onus on the drivers. They have a shit load of stuff to deliver and that is their priority.

up
Voting closed 0

By Anon² on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 1:41pm.

And they only deliver 9-4! Hows that for service!

If I was CEO, Residential deliver hours would immediately be changed to 12-8.

up
Voting closed 0

By Sarcastic Sam on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 3:57pm.

...to require a signature, which I do if I'm sending anything worth half a crap.

UPS just blows altogether. They have a running competition with airline baggage handlers to see who can break the most stuff by throwing it around. It makes them feel empowered and macho.

up
Voting closed 0

By eeka on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 1:44pm.

I went on and tracked something that required a signature. It said it had been delivered and was signed for by me. I called and was like, no it wasn't, and I was at work at that time. They told me that there's nothing they can do when it's been signed for. I told them repeatedly that I had not signed for it and could prove I was not home at the time. They didn't care.

It was from Target, and they sent me a new one (to someone else's address...) for free.

up
Voting closed 0

By btmitch on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 12:35pm.

I've had a couple of packages left at my South Boston address that were gone by the time I got there (or once, moved halfway down the block). I've seriously considered putting a note on the door telling delivery guys not to leave packages. I hope this message is directed specifically to UPS/FedEx/USPS, so they get the hint that leaving boxes on the sidewalk is not secure or a way to garner warm and fuzzy feelings from their customers.

up
Voting closed 0

By captaingeneral on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 1:00pm.

1. Most people are not home during the day.
2. Packages get delivered to people's homes.
3. Delivery driver has to deliver package. They can't return back with their truck almost full of packages because customers are not home to receive the package. If you do not have to sign for delivery, they will leave the package whether on a porch, stoop, stairs, backdoor, anywhere.
4. If you area is being hit by a rash of robberies then have your items delivered to your work place or sign for your packages.

And, really, how in heaven's name do you expect a delivery driver to analyze whether or not the area is safe or not? How the heck would that person know for sure?

(I live in Dedham, right near Hyde Park. Not the most ritzy area. Never had a package stolen. Most packages are left right out front in full view of every passer by.)

up
Voting closed 0

By Brighton Gal on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 1:42pm.

Some workplaces do have a policy of no-personal-deliveries to the workplace.
Off-topic: If you worked at such a place, you would understand why.
There should be another solution than what you are offering...

up
Voting closed 0

By bostnkid on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 12:36pm.

nice story eeka, just like the one you told us last week.

ups charges you an extra fee now to obtain a signature. everything else is left.

up
Voting closed 0

By Sarcastic Sam on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 4:02pm.

And FedEx also has the default setting that the driver can leave the pkg unless the sender opts otherwise.

I never thought I'd want to live in a building with a concierge but this is an argument in favor of it.

up
Voting closed 0

By Michael Kerpan on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 4:13pm.

...to a nearby FedEx location of your choice (if it has the proper sort of storage space). I work across the street from such a location, so it is a helpful option sometimes (if the package is not a huge one).

up
Voting closed 0

By anon on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 2:47pm.

I had a mattress delivered to my house in Southie, and I recieved an email notification that it had been delivered, I walked outside and it was gone.

up
Voting closed 0

By anon on Sat, 01/22/2011 - 4:13pm.

Welcome to Southie. Now go look for which of your neighbors is using an *old* mattress to claim a parking spot, and you can guess where they got their new mattress.

up
Voting closed 0