Stop Holiday Porch Pirates: 5 Tips From Alexandria Police

Around 15 billion pieces of mail and 900 million packages will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. It's no surprise packages thefts happen more often during the holiday season.

With many people taking advantage of online ordering to get their holiday shopping done, products can be left on porches and front steps, where they become prime targets for "porch pirates."

To help protect residents from package thefts, Alexandria Police have released the following tips:

• Encourage family and neighbors to pick up packages as soon as possible after they are delivered.
• Track your packages. Try to be present at the time of delivery. Many mail carriers allow you to track your shipment online.
• Be neighborly. If you can't pick up your mail, as a neighbor to do it for you.
• The U.S. Postal Service can also hold your mail if you travel during the holidays.
• If shipping through Amazon, use an Amazon locker instead of delivery to your home.

If you see something suspicious, call Alexandria Police at 703-746-4444.

Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch