How to Prevent Your Packages from Being Stolen this Holiday Season, Culver City

CULVER CITY, CA -- With the holiday season getting into the full swing, authorities are advising residents to protect themselves from package theft.

Millions of packages will be shipped to home and businesses this holiday season and this increasing in shipping is also giving thieves an opportunity to go "shopping" at your front door, police said.

Would be package thieves would follow delivery trucks on their route and wait for packages to be delivered at an address where residents aren't home to receive them, according to police.

The thief then makes his or her way up to the front door and steals the package after the delivery truck has left, according to police said.

Here are some tips to prevent your package from being stolen by thieves this holiday season:

• Keep the tracking number and closely follow the delivery progress of your package online.
• Contact the shipping company and arrange for delivery at a time when you will be available.
• Contact the shipper(s) and have the package rerouted to a place you trust. Or have the package delivered to your workplace.
• Have FedEx and UPS packages sent directly to one of their local stores or distribution centers to be held for pickup.
• Arrange for a neighbor to receive the delivery if you know that you will not be available.
• Request signature proof of delivery.

If you any suspicious activities or if you see someone remove a delivered package from a neighbor’s doorstep, immediately call police or 911 to report the incident.

-- Photo courtesy of the USPS