Much like the Grinch, porch pirates are out to take your holiday gifts! But instead of dressing like Santa Claus and crawling down the chimney, they just take the packages right off your doorstep.

Here are a few tips to prevent porch piracy:

• Require signatures for your deliveries.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your package.
• If available, have the package delivered to a store. Amazon has its own lockers where you can pick up your orders.
• If allowed, have packages sent to your workplace – or to a friend or family member you know will be home.

• Rent a post office box.

• Purchase a door camera. Like a guard dog, it helps dissuade thieves just by its presence, and if someone is brazen enough to steal your package, they’ll be caught on camera. (And the Police Department will be very interested in the video!)

If you believe your package has been stolen, first contact the shipping company and/or seller, as the package may still be en route. If you’ve confirmed that the package was delivered, report the theft to the Police Department at 303.288.1535 or www.northglenn.org/reportonline.

Police may respond with an increased presence in your area and alert the community.