BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Whether it's FedEx, UPS or the U.S. Postal Service, companies have been working tirelessly this season to deliver gifts to your door. December 22 is even considered the busiest delivery day for packages by the Postal Service.
But once your precious goodies hit the mailbox, garage or front steps, anything can happen.
"They're following the Postal Service, UPS [and] taking packages from people's porches,” said Diane Brown, of Buffalo.
A 2015 report from insurancequotes.com reports 23 million Americans had packages taken from their homes. Several years ago, Brown says she fell victim as well.
"It was jewelry,” said Brown. “It was left for me without a signature."
Postal Service staffers explained there are a few ways to hopefully bypass thieves, starting with a tracking number to keep eyes on that pair of shoes you've shipped to your Aunt Kathy. So what if you're not home?
"Enlist the help of a neighbor or friend to grab it off your porch for you and hold it until you can get to it,” said Karen Mazurkiewicz, of USPS.
"I sent my granddaughter a package and I asked how she gets her packages [because] she works during the day. She says they hold it in the office for her," said Brown.
Another anti-theft option is requiring an old-fashioned John Hancock - yes, a signature - from someone at the door. Customers can also sign up for free, personalized options through My USPS.
"Maybe you're saying 'instead of leaving it on the front porch, put it in the garage, the back door.' [It] might be helpful in keeping it out of sight," said Mazurkiewicz.
The Postal Service said so-called "porch pirates" aren't just pilfering your items during the holidays, though. They remind customers, and carriers, to be vigilant year-round.