Online holiday shopping season is here and, unfortunately, so is the increase in doorstep package thefts. This week, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has taken several reports of packages (and, in one case, a Christmas tree) stolen from porches and doorsteps. In some cases, thieves will slowly drive through neighborhoods looking for packages on doorsteps during the day when most people are at work or school. It takes less than a minute for them to stop the vehicle, run up to the doorstep, take the package and leave.

Here are some ways to prevent or deter package theft:
?As always, be alert about suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, especially if you see a delivery truck making the rounds and a vehicle following behind or unfamiliar subjects on foot.
?Follow the package’s progress on the web site of the carrier or with a package tracking app on your phone.
?Insure the contents of the package.
?Ask a trusted neighbor to hold on to packages delivered in your absence.
?If you live in an apartment complex, ask your leasing office for a secure location for package delivery.
?Have packages delivered to your place of work.
?Request signed confirmation upon delivery. The delivery service will try to redeliver the package in a few days or you can pick it up at a nearby distribution center.
?Request that the package be held distribution facility for pick up.