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A Manitowoc insurance group is reminding residents to take care of packages they get delivered for the holidays.
The Soodsma Insurance Agency explains that online shopping ramps up in November, but so do package thefts: millions of Americans report stolen deliveries each year, most occurring between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
But there are some methods residents can use to help protect purchases from porch pirates.
Soodsma staff say it’s essential to plan deliveries carefully and recommend scheduling package retrieval for times when someone will be home or scheduling delivery to a workplace, locker, or a trusted neighbor.
A way to deter thieves is to keep your porch visible and well-lit, which may include installing motion-sensor lights or a doorbell camera.
If a package is stolen, it’s important to act quickly and check with the carrier and retailer first because the item can be replaced, primarily through verified delivery programs.
On the insurance front, Soodsma agents’ stolen packages can be covered under the personal property portion of a homeowners or renters’ policy, but subject to a person’s deductible.
