STILLWATER, Minn. - Each year we see more and more, doorbell and surveillance cameras clearly capture package thefts, making it easier for police to investigate.
"They're inexpensive. They're easy to install," said Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry.
But Starry would rather you prevent the thefts in the first place.
"It's a headache, once they get stolen," Starry said.
It all starts when you order.
"We know we're not going to be home, yet we leave this package on our front steps for hours," Starry said.
But there are options. Amazon offers secure "lockers" you can deliver the package to for no extra cost. UPS and other companies have similar services.
A couple more tips to prevent package theft. Ship it to work, if they'll let you. And always require a signature on high-dollar items.
Another thing to be aware of, Amazon and other companies employ contracted deliverers during the holidays. And they most often arrive in plainclothes, in their own personal vehicle, to deliver your package.
We are hearing from people who say they've had packages delivered pretty late into the night. Amazon tells us they rarely deliver after 9 p.m.
Sheriff Starry says his deputies try to contact homeowners when they see packages piling up, knowing these thefts happen, especially the week after Cyber Monday.