As you navigate your holiday shopping on Cyber Monday, be mindful that you might not be the only one eagerly awaiting your deliveries. Every year, opportunistic thieves go door to door hoping to snatch up packages before homeowners retrieve them.

According to Tampa police, package theft more than doubled during the holiday season last year.

To combat this, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) plans to increase its presence in neighborhoods this year, aiming to deter and catch potential porch thieves.

A new Florida law could lead to jail time for porch piracy. It’s now a first-degree misdemeanor to steal property worth less than $40, but any subsequent violation will be charged as a third-degree felony. Stealing any item worth more than $40 is also a third-degree felony.

While security cameras can capture thieves in the act and may serve as a deterrent, some criminals are undeterred. In fact, some go to great lengths to disguise themselves and deceive homeowners and neighbors.

For example, a man in Racine, WI, recently discovered that a delivery person recorded on his camera was actually a thief wearing a FedEx uniform who appeared shortly after the real delivery person had dropped off his new phone.

Law enforcement recommends reporting any theft to your local police or sheriff’s office immediately. Often, thieves target entire neighborhoods, so any video or information you have could help authorities trace and catch the criminals. Additionally, informing your neighbors can increase neighborhood awareness and help prevent further thefts.

Beyond security cameras, experts also suggest the following tips to protect your online orders:

• Find an alternate delivery location. Many retailers offer delivery to secure lockers or local stores for pick-up. Some carriers will hold packages at their facilities, or you can consider having packages delivered to your office or to a neighbor’s house if you know they’ll be home during the day.
• Install an outdoor lockbox. Purchasing and installing an outdoor lockbox for deliveries can provide a secure place for your packages.
• Monitor shipment tracking. Keep an eye on your shipment tracking information to know when to expect packages. Less time on your doorstep means less opportunity for criminals. If you’re sending a package to a loved one’s house, make sure to share the tracking information with them as well.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your holiday deliveries from being stolen and ensure that your gifts arrive safely.

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(Image credit: General Security.com)