Porch pirates already on the prowl for holiday packages

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Porch pirates are on the prowl, poaching packages as people place online orders ahead of the holidays.

Tampa police said they received 11 reports of package thefts already this month and are expecting that number to go up as more holiday orders are delivered.

"The problem is, the thieves know that you're going to have some packages delivered to your house," said Steve Hegarty, spokesman for the Tampa Police Department. "They know this is the time of year." 

To keep your mail safe, police recommend having it delivered to your place of work, or to a neighbor's house if you know they'll be home.

UPS also encourages people to talk to their local delivery driver and request a specific drop-off location, such as behind the garage or in a place that's out of sight.

You can also require that a package only be delivered if there's someone there to sign for it.

UPS Access Points allow customers to have packages delivered at local businesses. People can pick them up whenever they're ready.

If a package is stolen, call police right away.

Thieves can be charged with a felony depending on how much a stolen item is worth.