Online Shopping Safety Advice

Online Shopping Safety Advice

📦 Community Crime Prevention Update: Protecting Your Deliveries This Black Friday Season

Shopping Online? Don't Let Thieves Get a Bargain Too

With Black Friday on 27 November 2026 and Cyber Monday on 30 November 2026 fast approaching, many people will be taking advantage of online deals and having more parcels delivered to their homes. Unfortunately, criminals are aware of this too, and doorstep thefts can increase during busy shopping periods.

Whether you're ordering gifts, household items, or taking advantage of seasonal discounts, a few simple precautions can help keep your deliveries safe.

Top Tips to Protect Your Parcels

📦 Track your parcel
Keep an eye on delivery updates and estimated arrival times. If possible, ensure you or someone you trust will be at home to receive the delivery.

📦 Consider a video doorbell
Video doorbells can notify you instantly when someone approaches your property and allow you to monitor deliveries from your smartphone. They are often a simple and effective alternative to a full CCTV system.

📦 Use a safe delivery location
If you're unlikely to be at home, consider having parcels delivered to:

📦 Take advantage of parcel lockers
For high-value items or frequent online shoppers, parcel locker services provide a secure alternative. These lockers are often located in busy, well-lit locations such as supermarkets and retail parks, making them less attractive targets for thieves.

Don't Advertise Deliveries

📦 If you're away from home, avoid leaving parcels in obvious locations and consider asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out for deliveries.

📦 If posting on social media about Black Friday bargains or Christmas purchases, avoid sharing details that could identify valuable items arriving at your address.

Find Out More

For further advice on preventing doorstep theft and protecting your home, visit:

🔗 Greater Manchester Police Crime Prevention Advice
https://www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/theft-from-a-doorstep/

Working Together to Prevent Crime

As we enter the busy shopping period leading up to Black Friday (27 November) and Cyber Monday (30 November), taking a few simple security measures can make a big difference. Please share these tips with family, friends and neighbours to help reduce opportunities for thieves and keep our community safe. 

Thank you.  

🚔 Greater Manchester Police Chadderton
Neighbourhood Policing Team

See it. Secure it. Report it. 💙📦