Beware of porch pirates

As you gear up to shop online and have gifts shipped to your home, keep one thing in mind this Christmas season.

“Porch pirates” are getting bolder.

Many of these thieves will steal packages from your front doorstep even if there’s a car in the driveway and a video camera on the door. Some actually follow vehicles from Amazon and other delivery companies, snatching packages shortly after they are delivered.

“This is a time to give, not to take," Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells said. “If you steal packages, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

"Thieves know more people are shopping online and they know people can't always stay home waiting for a package to be delivered," he said. “We are doing everything we can to keep our community safe.”

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of falling victim to Porch Pirates:

• Have deliveries put behind bushes or trash carts, so they can’t be seen from the street.

• Require a signature on delivery.

• Ask neighbors to pick up your packages when they are delivered.

• Install a video doorbell camera that might deter criminals.

• Schedule your packages to be delivered when you are home. Or have your packages delivered to work.

• Choose in-store pickups, rather than home delivery.

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