Nothing like having your online Christmas orders done in time for Cyber Monday, only to have them stolen off your porch. Watch out for porch pirates!

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, “We’ve seen an uptick in package thefts lately, and they are only expected to increase as the holidays approach. These thefts happen within minutes of delivery, and reports link many cases between Fayette County and surrounding areas.”

The Sheriff’s Office has some useful tips for local residents.

As you begin to order gifts or send packages, please keep these tips in mind:

• Consider using a secure package locker service. Many delivery companies offer lockers where your packages can be delivered and picked up at your convenience.
• If possible, schedule your deliveries for times when you are home. You can also sign for your package to ensure it is hand-delivered.
• Consider investing in a doorbell camera or outdoor security cameras that capture footage of your porch.
• Sign up for delivery alerts from your shipping carrier.
• If you’re expecting a package, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for it and grab it for you if it arrives while you’re away.

Tell your local authorities if your packages are stolen. The Sheriff’s office says, “If you or someone you know has experienced a package theft, please report it! The more data we gather—like date, time, and location—the better chance we have to identify these suspects and their vehicles.”