Protect Your Christmas Packages From Thieves, Denver Police Warn

DENVER, CO — An estimated 23 million Americans have had at least one package stolen from their front porches or mailboxes, Insurance Quotes reports.

With Christmas quickly approaching and more packages being delivered, Denver police are offering tips to keep your presents safe from porch pirates.

"We know that many of you will be expecting several packages containing gifts for your family and friends. And just like you, porch pirates love the online holiday shopping season," the Denver Police Department posted to its official Facebook page Thursday.

Here are some simple tips to help get your packages safe from any real-life "Grinches":

• Track your package so you can arrange to be home when it arrives, and be sure that it requires a signature.
• Have it sent to your place of work or the home of a family or friend who is more likely to be home.
• Have the shipping company hold your package and arrange to pick it up at a sorting facility.
• Have it shipped to a self-service locker, so that you can pick the package up at your own convenience.

VIDEO: Check out this video of actual porch pirates caught in the act, courtesy of the Denver Police Department.