A warning this holiday season: thieves know you're expecting packages, so make sure you pick them up before they do.
Front porch package thefts increase dramatically this time of year.
But police say you can do things to protect yourself.
For starters, technology is helping. UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service all have apps that not only allow you to track your packages, but redirect them to your office or another location if you’re not at home. You can also sign up for text alerts which advise you when a package is on its way.
Then, you can have a neighbor – or someone you know pick it up if you’re away.
"We should know our neighbors,” said commander Charlie Schoepflin with the Commerce City Police Department. "And know the people who are home and around. Who else to better protect you and know what's out of place in your neighborhood than the people who live there?"
Also, the UPS app has a new feature which allows you to have your packages delivered to certain businesses near your home. The business then holds onto that package until you can get there to retrieve it. It’s called UPS Access Point and there are more than 40 participating businesses in metro Denver.
Police say you can also take simple steps like turning your porch light on and installing surveillance cameras.
"They’re not only a deterrent, but such a great benefit to law enforcement," Schoepflin said. "We can put that picture out – in the hopes that somebody will recognize that person."
