By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is looking to prevent area residents from becoming the victims of “porch pirates” during a time of year when many locals are having packages shipped to their homes.

Over the past several years, many people have begun doing more shopping online, especially during the Christmas holiday season. Along with the rise in online shopping rates has come a greater number of unattended package thefts.

“We’re entering the biggest shopping season of the year. Unfortunately, this is also prime season for package thieves,” read a post on the APD Facebook page. “The Alabaster Police Department reminds you as you’re making online purchases over the next few weeks, follow these tips to avoid becoming the victim of package theft.”

Alabaster police have offered the following tips:

 

-Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when your delivery is scheduled – and when the package has been delivered.
-If you’re not able to be home when a package will be delivered, ask a trusted neighbor to hold it for you.
-If possible, require a signature for all deliveries.
-Consider shipping packages “to the store” option.
-Be a good neighbor! If you see a package on your neighbor’s doorstep, reach out and ask if they would like you to hold it until they are home.

 

APD is encouraging anyone who has packages stolen to first contact APD at 663-7401 and then check with neighbors to see if they saw anything suspicious.