Скачать или смотреть Beware of Holiday Mail Theft

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WPMI) It doesn't take much for thieves to walk up to your doorstep while you are not home, grab the package that was left in plain sight and walk away. This time of the year, it's important to protect yourself from this type of crime.

Security cameras from all over the United States capture thieves taking packages right from the doorstep of the intended recipients.

Our area is no exception.

Sad that this is what is happening in our society now, said Debbie Smith, a Lake Forest resident.

Smith lives in the same community where the Daphne Police Department received their first complaint of holiday mail theft this year.

"People aren't treasuring or respecting things that belong to other people, it's just a sad state in our society that people stoop that low to do that," said Smith.

To avoid becoming a victim of package theft, Gulf Shores Police Department suggests you do the following:

1. If your employer will allow it, have packages delivered to your office.

2. Have packages delivered to a place where they can be received in person, such as the home of a trusted neighbor who stays home during the day, or a retired relative.

3. Request that the shipper hold your package at their pick-up facility so you can pick it up in person at your convenience.

4. If purchasing something from a large retailer, request that your package be delivered to a local branch of the store so you can pick it up in person at your convenience.

5. Request that the shipper require a signature confirmation upon delivery