The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office is asking residents to be on the lookout for "Porch Pirates" during the holidays.
Theses thieves are known to take packages from the doorsteps of a residence after a delivery.
CCSO recommends these tips:
•Lock boxes: You can build or purchase a rugged lock box for your porch. Bolt it down to a permanent surface, concrete or asphalt work well.
•Timely package collection: Pick up your package immediately after delivery, or have a neighbor collect it. UPS, USPS, and FedEx all have tracking services to get a better idea of when exactly your order will arrive.
•Have your package delivered to you at work, so you can accept it immediately.
•Require a signature on all deliveries and insure your packages when possible.
•Security cameras: Security cameras are a tried and true deterrent for all manner of criminal behavior. Thieves are very aware of cameras and often look for them before attempting theft.
•Security signs: Post sign in your yard informing the poacher that your home is under video surveillance or has security alarms.
