13 Tips To Prevent Package Thefts This Holiday Season

Many of us do a lot of holiday shopping online. That means your packages will conveniently be delivered to your doorstep. That also means your packages could be a target for "porch pirates" — also known as package thieves.

According to information from Pennsylvania State Police, 23 million Americans had packages stolen from their porch last year. Thieves commonly drive through neighborhoods looking for packages and in some cases,they even follow delivery trucks so they can take the package once the truck pulls away.

In light of an uptick of reports of package thefts, the Pennsylvania State Police this week released a bulletin with some useful tips on how you can prevent your packages from being stolen.

Here are some tips for protecting your packages this holiday season:

• Consider using a Smart Package locker
• Have your package delivered to your workplace
• Install a security camera
• Add a smart doorbell
• Upgrade your mailbox to one with a lock
• Require a signature upon delivery
• Ask for a tracking number so you can re-route or re-schedule delivery
• Require a vacation package hold
• Have packages delivered to the local UPS store
• Put lights on timers
• Get a package guard (a device that notifies you when you have a delivery and has an alarm to protect your package)
• Ask a neighbor to get your packages if you know they've been delivered
• Leave a note requesting your delivery be placed at the back door

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