Prevent Porch Pirates This Holiday Season: Police Offer Tips

MILL VALLEY, CA — Prevent porch pirates this holiday season. There is almost always an increase in the number of package thefts during the holidays, according to the Mill Valley Police Department.

Police offered tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft:

1. Track packages online. Schedule shipment to arrive at a time you will be home.
2. Request a signature for delivery for expensive items being shipped.
3. Have packages shipped to a UPS Store or Amazon Locker location.
4. Customize your delivery preference with special instructions. Delivery drivers can deliver packages to neighbors or behind a fence or plant on the front porch with recipient authorization.
5. Make sure security cameras are on, functioning properly and facing the front porch area.
6. Ask a neighbor to pick up your packages.
7. Have packages delivered to your workplace.
8. Going out of town? Have the Post Office put a vacation hold on your mail. Mail can be delivered or picked up when you return.
9. Rent a P.O. Box for important mail.

Police also reminded community members to report any suspicious activity.

"Through our combined efforts and mutual support, we can create successful resolutions to this problem," police said.