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How to protect yourself from package theft

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Posted at 6:59 PM, Dec 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-02 20:00:32-05

DUSON — Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year.

Millions of packages will soon be delivered, but an increase in deliveries brings an increase in thefts.

In Duson, police are already investigating two reports of package theft.

The offenders are commonly referred to as porch pirates because they steal your packages right from your doorstep.

"They will just get behind the delivery truck and wait until they see something that they feel like is an appropriate size or something that they may want to steal," said Duson Police Chief Kip Judice.

The chief says there are ways to prevent package theft.

"If you're going to buy a five-thousand-dollar item and you're going to leave it on your front steps, you're not aiding us in helping you," explained Judice. "So, certainly, you'd want to make sure that that package is delivered at a time and a place where you will be that you can accept it."

If you're not going to be home while your package is being delivered, make the appropriate arrangements.

"Maybe ask a neighbor to watch for it or have it delivered to your work where you will be. Schedule a delivery time."

If you believe your package was stolen, make sure it wasn't delivered to the wrong house.

Once that's confirmed, call your local police department.

"Certainly, if they have any type of evidence, if neighbors see anything, if there's any video recordings of a possible suspect or someone who may have done it, provide that information to your local police," said Judice.