How To Keep Your Deliveries Safe This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, people are going to be doing more and more shopping online. But as online shopping becomes more popular, so does the theft of packages from in front of homes.

The Nassau County Police Department released some tips on how to keep your packages safe from "Porch Pirates." Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping online this holiday season:

• When selecting shipping options, choose one that requires you to sign for delivery. In most cases, if you aren’t at home when a delivery is attempted, you can either pick up your packages in person or schedule a delivery for a time when you are able to receive it.
• Track your delivery online. Check your package’s delivery status, its estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives.
• Leave a note asking the delivery service to leave the package with a trusted neighbor. With many people working remotely from home, it’s possible a neighbor could be home during the day to receive your delivery.
• Have the package shipped to another location where someone is able to receive it. If possible, see if you can have it delivered to your work address (if your company permits) or to a friend that is home during daytime hours.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for a customer pick-up. Some delivery services like UPS or FedEx allow you to pick up packages at their retail stores.
• Avoid sending cash by mail. Checks and money orders are safer than cash and may be canceled or reissued in the event of theft.
• If possible, ask for deliveries to be left at a rear or side door that isn't as visible from the street.

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