How To Stop Holiday Package Thefts In Cranston

CRANSTON, RI — Once again, a growing number of shoppers in Rhode Island are turning to computers and smartphones to check gifts off their shopping lists this holiday season.

With the trend of online holiday shopping continuing, that also means a chance for more package thefts. To help avoid "porch pirates," Cranston police have offered the following tips:

• If you know a package is going to be delivered when you are not home, try to leave a car parked in the driveway.
• When choosing your shipping details, take a moment to check off “signature required.”
• Consider signing up for a paid service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up. Major delivery services like Amazon, FedEx and UPS offer locker services.
• Install a porch lock box on your front porch for your packages to be placed in by the deliverer.
• Have the package delivered to the house of someone you know will be home during delivery.
• Install Security Cameras in a location that is obviously visible.
• And always report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.