LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With holiday shopping at its peak, delivery trucks are dropping off millions of packages every day. Unfortunately, porch pirates are watching for those same boxes — and package theft tends to surge in December.

Many homeowners assume their neighborhood is safe, but security experts say thieves look for opportunities anywhere. Some follow delivery vehicles, while others slowly cruise through streets checking for unattended packages. It only takes a few minutes for something to disappear.

Consumers who’ve dealt with theft say the loss can be frustrating and costly. Delivery photos or text alerts may confirm a package arrived, but that doesn't stop someone from grabbing it before you get home. And filing a claim doesn’t always guarantee reimbursement, especially when the seller or carrier denies responsibility.

To reduce the risk, shipping specialists recommend using all available delivery tools. That includes real-time tracking, text or email notifications, and requesting a hidden or more secure drop-off spot. When possible, have packages sent to a workplace, a trusted neighbor, or a staffed pickup location to avoid leaving them exposed.

These small steps can make a big difference during the busiest shipping season of the year.

The bottom line is if you won’t be home at delivery time, plan ahead so your packages don’t sit unattended — and so your holiday spending doesn’t go to waste.

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