Photo

In the wake of the thefts of some Christmas packages that had been delivered to unattended homes, police are offering some tips to keeps deliveries safe.

Parcels were stolen from two homes in recent days, and only discovered when a church employee contacted police after finding empty boxes in the church parking lot.

Packages left on a porch or door step are more likely to be stolen. There have been incidents where thieves have followed the delivery truck, waited for the driver to leave the package on the porch or doorstep and then stolen the package.

If possible, choose an alternate shipping address. You can send the package to a relative or neighbor who is home during the day and can accept delivery. Or you can send packages to your workplace rather than your home. This will ensure that you receive the package or someone will sign for it if you are not available.

* Always try to request signature confirmation on deliveries. This will make certain that the delivery person won't leave the package unattended.

* Ask the package delivery company to hold the package at their location if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). Some companies can hold packages for a few days.

* Some delivery services offer text, email or web based notifications to track your package and let you know when it has been delivered. Check the delivery company's website for this service.

Police also suggest that people do their online shop at sites that uses https rather than http. The "s' means that the site should be more secure and encrypt the information sent when an order is placed.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.