With the increase of online shopping around the holidays comes an increase in the number of packages left on porches being stolen by opportunistic thieves.

A few such thefts have been reported in Suffolk in the past week, city spokesman Tim Kelley said Friday.

Folks who believe they have been the victim of a package theft should first contact the delivery company to confirm the delivery was made and then call the Suffolk Police Department to report the theft

The police offered these tips for keeping your items safe:

• Require a signature before the carrier can leave the package.
• Work with a neighbor who is home to have the package delivered to their residence.
• If you know you will not be home at the time of delivery, leave a note on your door asking your delivery person to drop the parcel off at a neighbor’s house, or have the delivery company bring it back to the local distribution site for later pickup.
• If your employer allows it, have the package delivered to your place of employment.
• When you place an order, keep an eye on tracking information so that you know when delivery may occur so that you can be there to accept the package.
• Pay for insurance on expensive gifts.

Anyone who has information about the recent thefts is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers to Crime Line never have to give their names or appear in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.