(WXYZ) — The holiday season is just around the corner, which means a boost in online shopping and home deliveries. With that comes the concern of porch pirates.
There are a handful of ways you can stop your packages from being taken right off your own porch.
"We often think of scammers as those that are on the other end of the screen or telephone but unfortunately there are people in person as well that are doing those same jobs," Laura Blankenship said. She's with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan.
Sometimes it's a crime of opportunity, but the theft can also be premeditated.
"There are some people that actually follow delivery trucks to see where they are going to be stopping, and then go behind them and pick up those products," she said.
That never gives you the chance to realize the package was delivered.
Blankenship said consider having a neighbor pick it up for you, or have it delivered to where you are going to be – at work for example, if it's OK with your employer.
"Also, the major delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, Amazon, they all have the option of selecting an out of site location," she said. "So you can have your package delivered somewhere out of site. In your garage maybe, Behind a pillar, behind a bush."
There are also products on the market designed to help secure your packages like a lockable insulated box. And of course, consider a security camera system to monitor your mailbox and front door.
"Make sure that you're checking your accounts to see when the package is coming and if it's been delivered. if it's been delivered and you don't see it, make sure you contact the company right away," she said.
Finally, if you can, schedule a certain time for the delivery so you're guaranteed to be home.
