Durham, NC — As the holiday season approaches, the Durham Police Department is ramping up efforts to protect residents from theft with its annual Operation No Perched Packages campaign. Running from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the initiative encourages residents to responsibly dispose of packaging for high-value items to avoid attracting thieves.
The program is a collaboration between the Durham Police Department’s Community Services Unit, City Solid Waste Management, and Durham Parks and Recreation. The goal is to prevent criminals from targeting homes based on curbside packaging that reveals recent purchases, particularly large electronics or other valuable gifts.
Preventative Tips for Residents
The campaign urges residents to avoid placing packaging for high-value items—such as TVs, gaming consoles, and computers—on the curb for trash collection. Instead, the Durham Police recommend breaking down these boxes and transporting them to one of three designated recycling drop-off sites:
• Morreene Road Park: 1102 Morreene Rd.
• I.R. Holmes Sr. at Campus Hills Recreation Center: 2000 S. Alston Ave.
• Walltown Recreation Center: 1308 W. Club Blvd.
“This small effort can make a big difference in reducing the likelihood of your home being targeted,” said a Durham Police spokesperson. “By keeping your curb clear of packaging that advertises recent purchases, you can help deter opportunistic criminals.”
Why It Matters During the Holidays
The holiday season often sees a spike in property crimes, including package thefts and burglaries. Thieves frequently look for visual cues, such as discarded boxes from high-ticket items, to identify potential targets.
According to the Durham Police Department’s 2023 crime statistics, thefts during December accounted for nearly 15% of the city’s total annual property crimes, underscoring the importance of proactive measures like Operation No Perched Packages.
Durham is not alone in addressing this issue. Nationwide, cities have adopted similar initiatives to combat holiday thefts, with many municipalities emphasizing the importance of community cooperation.
Additional Safety Tips
In addition to responsibly disposing of packaging, the Durham Police Department offers these tips to safeguard your home during the holidays:
1. Secure Delivered Packages: Use package lockers or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your deliveries.
2. Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Avoid leaving gifts, electronics, or other valuables visible through windows.
3. Install Security Measures: Consider adding cameras or motion-sensor lighting to your property.
The Role of Community Partnerships
The success of initiatives like Operation No Perched Packages relies heavily on community involvement. Durham Parks and Recreation and City Solid Waste Management have partnered with law enforcement to ensure the program reaches as many residents as possible. These partnerships also highlight the city’s broader commitment to crime prevention through community engagement.
“By working together, we can reduce crime and create safer neighborhoods,” said a representative from Durham Parks and Recreation. “This campaign is just one example of how we can collaborate to make a tangible difference.”
Looking Ahead
As Durham continues to experience growth, the need for proactive community-based crime prevention strategies remains essential. Operation No Perched Packages is a reminder that small actions, like properly disposing of packaging, can contribute to broader safety efforts.
The Bull City Citizen will continue to provide updates on this and other public safety initiatives. For more tips on protecting your home and staying safe this holiday season, visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter.
Stay Informed with the Bull City Citizen
• Holiday Safety Guide: Protecting Your Home This Season
• Crime Trends in Durham: What Residents Should Know
Trust the Bull City Citizen for comprehensive, unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most to Durham residents.
