CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office in Florida is asking residents to be on the lookout for "porch pirates" during the holidays.
These thieves are known to take delivered packages from the doorsteps of a home.
CCSO recommends these tips:
•Lockboxes: 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 a sign in your yard informing the poacher that your home is under video surveillance or has security alarms.
If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood this holiday season, contact law enforcement immediately.