Beware, it’s the season of package thieves

El Paso Police are warning homeowners to keep a watchful eye on their belongings and packages, for ’tis the season of thieves, who are getting more creative about how they’re stealing packages.

ABC-7 recently obtained a photo of a woman caught in a home surveillance video impersonating a postal worker as she allegedly stole a package.

ABC-7 spoke with some El Pasoans who are taking matters into their own hands in an era of online shopping and package thieves. “We kind have an idea who’s in town, who’s out of town, and who’s watching who’s house,” an El Paso resident said, “So, it’s kind of like a neighborhood watch thing. “

While some rely on neighbors, others are opting to have goods purchased online delivered at the Postal Annex instead. Customers can rent mailboxes for $5 per item shipped to keep them safe until they can get the right set of hands on it.

“Customers will take that option if they’re expecting an expensive package, a computer, a monitor or something like that,” a representatives with the Postal Annex told ABC-7.

Another popular way to protect your packages from thieves is by installing a surveillance system like the Skybell, which records motion and alerts you on your mobile phone.

“They know everyone who walks up to their door, whether it’s the kids or the mailman, UPS, or even solicitors, they know who’s exactly at their door at all times,” said BJ Calderon, the owner of Security Pros.

Calderon said he sees an uptick in requests during the holidays with homeowners opting to set up a security surveillance system for sheer peace of mind.

“We see an increase in burglary calls, we do a lot of cameras in December and January,” Calderon said, “It’ll be helpful, in hopefully, deterring those kids of thefts if thieves know you have surveillance systems. It’ll certainly help police with their investigatilon.”

EPPD Spokesman Sgt. Enrique Carrillo said you can also have a neighbor or relative pick up your package or ship it to their address instead.

While there’s no foolproof way to prevent theft, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“The number of deliveries that are being made, the chances of getting lucky for thieves, increase that much more during the holidays,” Carillo said.

If you are a victim of theft, call police to file a police report. Postal Annex recommends getting insurance for your packages to protect you in the event that it’s stolen.