How to keep your holiday packages from being stolen

With holidays approaching, more packages are being ordered and delivered to homes across the country, including Western Pennsylvania. But with each delivery comes the risk of theft if that package is left outside your door.

"This time of year, thefts trend upward," said Sgt. Chuck Mascellino with the Cranberry Township Police Department.

Channel 11's Damany Lewis knocked on doors in the Pinehurst neighborhood of Cranberry Township, where he found several homes with boxes left out in plain sight. Police in Cranberry Township said that over the last two years, nearly 20 packages have been stolen off of doorsteps.

"There is the possibility that it could increase, with the amount of online shopping," said Mascellino.

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To prevent anyone from stealing your packages, police recommend having your boxes delivered to you at work, or to someone you know who will be home at the time of delivery.

Amazon has also started offering "Amazon lockers," which are safe spots for people to pick up their packages. One location is on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Police said it's also important for neighbors to be alert if they see anything suspicious.

"If we have been able to apprehend anyone, it has been because of observant neighbors," said Mascellino.

Cox Media Group