New Albany Police are offering tips to help you prevent package theft during the holiday season. Det. Ryan Southers says there are a myriad of things you can do to help protect yourself from being a victim.

He suggests investing in a home security camera because porch pirates tend to be camera shy.

Get to know your neighbors. They can keep an eye out for your package or even have it delivered to their home. Also, when at all possible, schedule a delivery time so someone is home to receive your package.

If you shop on Amazon, think about picking up your package from their secure lockers. Amazon has lockers located throughout Central Ohio. To locate one close to you, click here.

Over the past 12 months, 260 million packages worth $19.5 billion were stolen by porch pirates according to SafeWise, a home safety research company.

“For those of us who still go shopping the old fashion way, it’s a good idea to keep your packages out of sight. If you’re going from the store to your car, try not to make multiple trips. If you must leave packages in your care, leave them somewhere secure like in the trunk or a covered portion of your SUV,” said Det. Southers.

With so many people out and about shopping during the holiday season, try to minimize the number of trips to the car with your packages because you never know who is watching.

As always, if you see anything suspicious give NAPD a call at 614-855-1234.