We're in the midst of the holiday season, which, for many, means more packages being delivered to your home. However, the holiday season also sees an uptick in the number of people seeking to steal those packages from your doorstep.
"Package and mail theft can be heartbreaking and put New Yorkers' personal and financial information at risk," New York Attorney General Letitia James said. "As package theft spikes during the holiday season, every New Yorker should know how to keep their deliveries and personal information safe from thieves. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and protect themselves and their mail by following our important tips."
Here's how to ensure the safe delivery of your packages and what to do if your package has been stolen.
Always promptly pick up your mail
Leaving packages on your porch overnight could make them susceptible to porch pirates, or people who steal packages from doorsteps, according to the AG's Office, and if you're expecting to receive any checks, credit cards or other financial items, it may be wise to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to grab your mail for you if you're not able to promptly do so.
Sign up for tracking alerts
One tracking alert service you can use is USPS' Informed Delivery, which sends you email notifications for your incoming mail and packages, the AG's Office says.
FedEx also offers free sign-up for their FedEx Delivery Manager to help ensure the secure delivery of shipments. And the United Parcel Service's UPS My Choice is a free service -- with a premium option you'll have to pay for -- that gives you visibility and control of your packages.
However, make sure to verify the URL you're using to sign up for tracking alerts is legitimate as scammers tend to solicit potential victims through fraudulent package tracking messages.
Have your packages delivered to a secure location
If you can't be home when your package is out for delivery, consider having your packages delivered to a USPS Smart Locker or use the USPS Hold Mail Service, the AG's Office says, which will securely keep your packages at your local post office until you're able to pick them up.
Use a doorbell camera or video surveillance system
Doorbell cameras and video surveillance systems can help deter thieves from taking packages from your porch and can also assist law enforcement in identifying those who took the packages, if necessary, according to the AG's Office.
Consider requesting signature confirmation
If you're mailing something important, the AG's Office says it may be a good idea to request signature confirmation for the recipient.
Another option is the USPS' Hold for Pickup service, which allows the recipient to collect the package at their local post office.
What you should do if your packages get stolen
If you think your mail has been stolen or if you see someone else's mail or packages being stolen, first contact your local law enforcement immediately, then report the theft to the Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov or by calling 877-876-2455.