NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla — Neptune Beach Police Department is launching its holiday package program to help protect online shoppers from porch pirates this holiday season.
1 in 4 people have had a holiday package stolen, and this holiday season, shoppers will spend an average of $547 for online orders, according to a national study by ChamberofCommerce.org.
"Unfortunately so far this year, we've had a couple residents that have fallen victim to the package thefts and that was around Thanksgiving time," Sergeant Liam Toal, with the Neptune Beach Police Department, said.
One tip to protect against package theft is to install a video camera security system on your door. This will allow you to keep an eye on packages while you are not at home and it could deter criminals.
However, there are better steps you can take.
The Better Business Bureau suggests requiring a signature, using a package receiving service like an Amazon delivery locker or a Post Office Box, picking items up at the store, or sending packages to a work address
If you’re using shipping services like the Postal Service or FedEx you can opt to hold packages for pickup at their office.
In Neptune Beach, residents can have items shipped to the police headquarters.
"It happens year around but especially at the holiday season, I mean it's impacting people who have made financial plans to buy presents and everything along those line so it's a really determent when it happens," Toal said.
Neptune Beach residents can ship their packages to 200 Lemon Street Neptune Beach, FL 32266, a valid ID will be required for pick up.