Holiday packages taken from doorsteps

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It’s the time of year where Hoosiers are having gifts shipped to their homes. Thieves are striking when residents are not home and packages are left on the front porch.

Mary Dando with the U.S. Post Office says crimes like this are more common, especially now when shipping companies are delivering millions of holiday gifts. 

“When we find you, you may end up in prison or pay a very large fine,” said Dando.

Post office officials have provided residents with the following tips:

• If you are expecting a delivery and know you are not going to be home, tell a neighbor to keep their eye out for it.
• If possible, get your package shipped to you at work - most of these thefts occur during the day when you're not home.
• Get insurance.

While driving through several neighborhoods 24-Hour News 8 noticed numerous packages left on door steps.  

Terry Werner with FedEx says this does not have to happen. He says customers have options.

“If you have a package sent you can elect to have it held at one of our FedEx facilities for convenient pickup."

Both the USPS and UPS have pick up services.