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Tips to outsmart the porch pirates this holiday season

It's a trend that's increased the last two years - people stealing packages from homes during the holiday season. With Cyber Monday expected to bring in $7 billion, it's safe to say the porch pirates will be back. 11Alive's Hope Ford looked at ways customers can prevent the thieves from getting to them in the first place.

'Twas a few days after Cyber Monday, packages were mailed. To the doorsteps of homes, ready for the owners to unveil.

The contents inside and enjoy their or a loved one’s new gift. Until a stranger decides to give the package a lift.

Day or night, doesn’t matter the time. These thieves are bold with their porch pirating crime

There goes your stuff you worked so hard for. Stolen in seconds right in front of your door.

It’s unfortunately common, you almost wouldn’t believe. But surveys found 25 million people fell victim to these thieves.

They watch for delivery trucks pulling into neighborhoods. And follow them closely - watching for the chance to steal goods.

It’s sad but true and many of the crimes go unreported. But you must call police to make sure the thief’s thwarted.

They’ll take your stuff then come back for more - take another package from you, even try your neighbors next door.

So, here’s what you do, to keep thieves in their place. First, if you catch them - never give chase!

Instead, call 911 and let the police do the work. Give them surveillance video or a license plate of the getaway jerk.

Second, try, if you can, to have the package delivered when you’re in your house. If not, give a work address or send it to the job of your spouse. 

You could try Amazon Key, which places packages inside. If that’s not your thing, try a smart locker so your stuff can hide.

We have a lot more tricks to keep thieves away from your home. Check 11alive.com and the end of this poem. 

DELIVERY TIPS 

  • Tell drivers where to leave packages
  • Require a signature
  • Use a smart locker or lock box to secure and protect packages
  • Package Guard , a service that uses a weighted scale to keep track of packages and sounds an alarm if they are removed unexpectedly
  • Doorman , which will pick up packages and re-deliver them during a scheduled window
  • Monitor front porches with security cameras or video doorbells, which can be used to keep an eye on packages and deter thieves
  • Use UPS access points, locations such as UPS stores and neighborhood businesses, which offer

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