Here are ways to avoid package thefts this holiday season

For holiday shopping, most consumers love the convenience of making purchases online and having them shipped straight to their doorstep, but with millions of packages delivered each year, thieves have developed many ways to steal from shoppers.

Many consumers have had their packages stolen before they arrive home from work.

Thieves snatch packages from doorsteps or lobbies of apartment or condo complexes.

Criminals even follow delivery and postal trucks.

When the truck leaves, the crooks move in and grab the parcels. Some consumers have even reported their packages have been tampered with prior to delivery at their homes.

Fortunately, there are also many ways to protect yourself from these shady tactics.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to protect yourself from delivery thefts:

• Take precautions to ensure a safe delivery .If you are having a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, purchase shipping insurance. In addition, always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically.

• Watch out for calls or emails about a missed delivery. Legitimate delivery services usually leave a “missed delivery” notice on your door. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic and only then follow their instructions.

Keep track of what you’ve ordered so you have a better idea of what is coming and when.

• Request a signature. Chances are this feature may come with a price tag, but it may be worth the extra fee. Requesting a signature means that a delivery service won’t be able to drop a package on your doorstep unless someone is around to sign for it.

• Don’t leave packages sitting on your doorstep. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft.

To ensure safe delivery, have your package delivered to your workplace, or to a trusted friend or neighbor who will be home to accept delivery.

Some delivery companies now have lockers where your packages can securely wait for you to pick them up using a one-time code to open the locker.

• Open your delivery upon receipt to check for damage or signs of tampering. Contact the seller immediately if you believe something is wrong with the shipment or if it’s not what you ordered. Also, be sure to review the seller’s return policy for damaged or unwanted items.

• Check with online retailers about alternatives. Some online retailers may offer alternative shipping options.

Check to see if they offer a delivery option where you can pick up your items at a delivery hub near you.

• Use your credit card. When making purchases online, use your credit card rather than a debit card or another form of payment.

Credit card companies are more likely to offer refunds in the event of theft.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.