Police issue advice on how to stop thieves stealing your Christmas parcels

Santa might not necessarily be working away at the North Pole, but his proxies at many delivery and courier services will be very busy across the coming weeks. And with many more parcels than usual being left in front porches and safe places, there is more opportunity than usual for so-called 'porch-pirates' to make off with them.

With many people having busy lives not everyone can be in all the time for delivery windows. Sadly this means that opportunistic thieves can take advantage of a parcel left on an unattended doorstep.

While it might be too late once the thief strikes, there are some things you can do to help not give people as much opportunity to steal parcels from the doorstep. Greater Manchester Police have issued advice to help people counter the practice.

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GMP City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Kam Hare said: “Most delivery companies can provide you with parcel tracking options – allowing you or someone else to make sure they are at home for the delivery. If appropriate, delivering it to your place of work can avoid possible thefts.

“If this isn’t possible, arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour. If you live in a flat, is there a concierge service who can accept the parcel for you?"

There are also more sophisticated options available to people. These include CCTV and doorbell cameras.

Ms Hare said: “Having a Ring or video doorbell installed can be a huge help - this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system."

If you know you won't be in, you can also opt to have