Valley fire department helping thwart 'porch pirates'
If you've ever had anything delivered to your home you know you could always become victim to "porch-pirates," people who steal packages from a home's doorstep.
According to The National Retail Federation more than 130 million consumers shopped online this past holiday weekend.
That's why the Bazetta Township fire department is offering their residents to use the fire station as a safe package delivery location.
"This program is designed for our residents to have a safe place to have their packages delivered. Many people work during the day or certain hours when these packages are delivered so often times they are not home for people to retrieve those packages," said Rob Wasser.
People can have their packages sent to the station and they can just pick them up with an ID.
Here are some tips to make sure the Porch Pirates don't target you:
1. You can buy a doorbell camera like the Ring, or set up other security cameras around your home you can monitor or even record when there's movement.
2. If you are ordering from Amazon they actually have delivery lockers available in certain areas.
3. Try using your employer as a place to get your packages delivered to.
4. And always make sure to track your purchases online to see where they are, before and after delivery.
Making sure you're not a target for thieves will make your Christmas a lot more merrier.