POLICE are reminding people to be mindful of different delivery options when ordering Christmas gifts online to prevent the theft of parcels.

It is expected that many people will be ordering online this year, especially due to the current pandemic with Covid-19, and people are being reminded to be careful when having things delivered.

Last month two properties in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough had parcels, containing a laptop and a shelf rack, stolen from a ‘safe place’ in the garden.

Officers are advising people to make use of the courier’s time slot service and to consider having parcels delivered to a trusted neighbour, or to a work address.

People are also being asked to consider using a delivery locker or pick-up point and to invest in a CCTV camera to deter potential parcel thieves.

Other tips, as well as advice on how to prevent crime, can be found by visiting www.cleveland.police.uk.

Officers are providing the below tips to help keep your parcels out of reach from criminals:

1. Make use of the courier’s time slot service, many of which give a one hour time window of the anticipated delivery which allows you to plan to be at home.

2. If you know that you won’t be in, consider having a parcel delivered to a trusted neighbour, who you know will be home when the parcel is due.

3. Check with your employer as to whether you can have parcels delivered to your works address.

4. Consider using a delivery locker or pick up point (such as a local shop) close to you, where you can collect your parcel from.

5. Courier’s often provide an option of leaving parcels in a safe place, but please be wary of this option as criminals can easily watch a delivery driver place parcels in requested locations at your home, making it easy for them to steal.

6. Invest in a CCTV camera, (usually cost less than £100) which can be a useful deterrent to help identify parcel thieves. Check out the reviews on the vendor’s website/YouTube for one that fits your needs.

If you have any information about a crime contact the officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.