As the holiday season brings the joy of giving, it unfortunately also brings thieves looking to steal your gifts.

More than 120 million packages were stolen across the U.S. in 2023, according to an analysis by SafeWise, a safety and security research group. Local officials and retailers are warning Americans to remain vigilant so they will not be a victim of a porch pirate, someone who steals packages from a person's home. Here are some steps you can take to protect your packages this season.

Security experts say that having a doorbell camera or video surveillance system that records a thief in real time can help deter thieves -- they can also make it easier for law enforcement to identify them and hopefully lead to an arrest. Motion sensors that trigger lights when someone steps onto your property and visible security cameras can also help deter thieves. Additional steps you can take according to Stickle and others include requiring a signature when your package is delivered or having your items shipped to an alternate location — like your job, a parcel locker or store. You can also have your packages held with the delivery carrier and scheduled for delivery when you know you will be home. At SHIP HAPPENS, we're happy to receive your packages and make those porch pirates walk the plank! Contact us today.