“Porch Pirates” hitting Williamstown

WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – Williamstown Police are receiving complaints of packages being stolen from front porches.

Investigators often see an increase in these types of thefts from so-called “porch pirates” during the holiday season.

According to a recent Comcast Xfinity Home survey, some 30% of Americans have had a package stolen from outside their home.

There are steps you can take to protect your package deliveries:

-Use security cameras

-Have packages delivered to a lockbox

-Give instructions to the package delivery service on where to leave the package if you’re not home

-Have packages delivered to your workplace if your employer allows

-Have items sent to a retailer’s walk-in store for pickup

-Sign up for alerts from carriers so you know when the delivery is made

-Require a signature for delivery

If your package is stolen, here are some steps to take:

-Verify the package was delivered

-Call police

-Contact the shipping company

-Check your credit card benefits to see if you have purchase protection that covers lost or stolen items

-Check your insurance to see if you can collect from your homeowners or renters insurance