TAMPA, Fla. — With online holiday shopping in full swing, police are warning people about the increased risk of package thefts.
According to a United States Postal Service report, an estimated 58 million packages were stolen by “porch pirates” in the U.S. last year.
In a video posted to the Tampa Police Department’s Facebook page, Maj. Patrick Messmer offered three tips to residents having packages delivered.
Turn on delivery notifications
If you will not be at home for the delivery, consider using delivery lockers
Report suspicious activity to police immediately
Residents can also use cameras and motion-activated lights and minimize the time packages sit on your porch.
Another option is having deliveries made at a side door or entrance that is out of public view.