6 Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft

Thefts of packages left at the front door of Redondo Beach residences are up, according to a news release from the police department.

According to Lt. Joe Hoffman of the Redondo Beach Police Department, thieves will go "shopping" at residents' front doors.

"Many package thieves follow delivery trucks as they enter a neighborhood and wait for items to be dropped off on a front porch or near a front door when the resident is not home to receive the package," Hoffman wrote. "The thief then makes his or her way up to the front door and steals the package after the delivery truck has left."

The Redondo Beach Police Department has received multiple reports of package thefts over the last few weeks, according to Hoffman.

Police provided the following tips for residents to prevent package theft:

• Contact the shipping company and arrange for delivery at a time when you will be available.

• 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.

• Contact the shipper and have the package rerouted to a place you trust, such as your workplace.

• Request signature proof of delivery.

• Keep the tracking number and closely follow the delivery progress of your package online.