HICKORY, N.C. — The Federal Trade Commission says 230 million people are predicted to shop online in 2021. This means more packages are being delivered, and the Hickory Police Department says unattended packages on the front porch create an easy target for thieves.

From August of 2020 to the end of January 2021, the Hickory Police Department says nine packages were taken from neighbors' front porches.

A neighbor's front porch camera captured a suspect taking her dog food, which had been delivered less than 30 minutes prior.

Included in the police reports are stolen tables, sound bars, videogame systems, airfryers, and more.

One victim, Christopher Parker, who lost his hearing when he was a child, had bought his wife an Amazon Kindle for Christmas. He never got it even though UPS confirmed it was delivered.

Through a sign language system, Parker says he looked everywhere for the Kindle and finally called police.

“Yeah, it was really, really frustrating," Parker says. "Now I understand why the UPS store is a lot easier and lot more secure."

The Hickory Police Department suggests knowing when your package is getting delivered and being home or asking neighbors to be on the lookout.

Investigators also say to make your porch visible, contrary to what some may think. If your porch is visible from the road, patrol cars can see anything suspicious, and neighbors can also see if someone is on your porch that shouldn't be there.