While the holidays are filled with cheer and family gatherings, the season also brings out thieves in full force. The brazen ones might try to take packages left on porches and doorsteps. Without the proper security in place, you’re vulnerable to losing hundreds of dollars in merchandise purchased online. If your boxes are stolen, here are several steps you can take to recover financially.

What Steps to Take After Your Holiday Packages Are Stolen

1. Double Check With Neighbors

Sometimes, well-intentioned neighbors may have signed for items dropped off at your house. If your shipping agreement included a signature release, some companies will leave items with a next door or nearby neighbor. Stop by and ask if they happened to have it or saw anyone pick up your holiday packages. 

2. Contact the Shipping Company

They can provide you with vital information, such as the time of delivery, where the item was placed, and the driver’s contact details. You can put in a claim for the missing items so that an investigation can be done. Stay in touch with the shipping company for updates.

3. Look Around Your Property

While front porches and doorsteps are common areas to leave packages, they may be left elsewhere on your property. Check your back door, on the side of the garage, and even under shrubs. Some shipping and delivery drivers take extra security steps to conceal packages so that they’re not visible to thieves making the rounds. If you have a security camera, look through the recordings around the time of the delivery to see if someone took your package.

Call Your Credit Card Provider

If you paid for your holiday merchandise with a credit card, you might get a refund. Contact the company to find out what your rights are for lost or stolen items. The terms may vary on conditions, such as the amount of the item purchased and how long you wait to contact the credit card company. 

One of the best deterrents to home burglaries during the holidays is installing security cameras. Detect-All Security in Cincinnati, OH, specializes in providing state-of-the-art systems for comprehensive surveillance. As members of the Ohio Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and the Electronic Security Association, you can count on expert installations by certified and experienced technicians. To learn more about protecting your home, call (513) 528-7700 for a consultation. Visit the website for information on the complete lineup of security services.