NEW YORK, (WENY) -- With the holidays around the corner, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection issued some tips on Tuesday, Dec. 17th on how to avoid porch pirates stealing your packages. According to the Better Business Bureau, package thieves last year got their hands on roughly $18 billion dollars in merchandise last year. 

“Many consumers have already started or finished their online holiday shopping for the season and are now waiting for their gifts to be delivered to their doorsteps,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley in a prepared statement, adding “While you’re preparing to spread holiday cheer with those gifts, thieves may be trying to steal both from you. If you’re expecting deliveries this holiday season, make sure you’re taking added precautions and keeping track of your packages to prevent them from being stolen.”

Here are some basic tips to make sure you don't become a victim. 

Keep track of your packages online and try to schedule deliveries when someone is home to take them. If that doesn't work, ask a trusted neighbor for help. 

Monitor your front door with a doorbell or security camera. 

If you have been a victim of porch pirates in the past, consider alternative shipping options like ship to store. 

Also, watch out for phishing scams. Scammers know people are holiday shopping, and send texts and emails with false links hoping you click on them. Instead of clicking on any links sent by email or text, go to the shipping company's website directly on your browser to track packages.