TIFTON, Ga. — Online shopping is quick and convenient for those looking to buy holiday presents, but it does come with its own set of problems– thieves stealing packages from unattended porches. 

An annual survey conducted by United Parcel Service Inc. showed that shoppers made 51 percent of their purchases online, compared to 48 percent in 2015 and 47 percent in 2014. EMarketer, a business digital data and research company, is projecting that holiday e-commerce retail sales will grow by 13.3 percent this year. That will mean more packages being delivered and left on porches until they can be retrieved.

There are steps that consumers can take to keep deliveries from being stolen, according to the United States Postal Service.

The majority of criminals are opportunists, authorities said; they see things sitting out and take advantage of the situation. “Everyone has a role in making the community safe, said Lt. Steve Hyman, community relations officer with the Tifton Police Department. “It is harder for would-be thieves and other criminals to operate in a community where the citizens are alert; it increases their chances of getting caught.”

Guevara writes for the Dalton, Georgia Daily Citizen.

•If possible, have packages delivered when someone will be home.

•Customers may also choose to require a signature upon delivery, which will ensure that packages are not left unattended since they will not be dropped off without a signature. 

•Most shipping companies will hold packages until they can be picked up, should that be requested. 

•Other options include having packaged delivered to neighbors, friends or relatives who will be home during the day or providing a designated drop off spot that is hidden from view. 

•Requesting a tracking number for each package can also allow customers to track the location of a package as it makes its way to its destination. 

•If a package that was supposed to be delivered has gone missing, report it to law enforcement and the delivery company immediately. 

• Be aware of suspicious activity in your neighborhood and alert neighbors and law enforcement of any concerns.