BATON ROUGE - Stealing other people's presents is becoming a not so Merry Christmas tradition.

Online shopping may be a wonderful thing, but it's important to track what you have ordered and help prevent your items from being stolen.

This time of year, FedEx, UPS and USPS are busy getting orders and shipped items to the right place. Sometimes, stopping at the same house multiple times.

But it's not all merry and bright. Packages are sometimes left on the doorstep for hours on end, which can be an open invitation to thieves. Police say they see an up tick in package thefts during this time of year. While that may be the case, there are some ways to protect your property.

Get with a neighbor and have them be on the look out for your deliveries. If you know you will not be home, have your package delivered to a family member's house or your work. Use a signature confirmation or pick up your package at the post office. Security is also a good deterrent.

Alvin Thornton lives in the Baton Rouge Garden District and says he has already had many of his holiday packages delivered.

"Usually if you know a package coming, go ahead and track your package," he said. "If you're home or close, just come back and pick it up."

If you suspect something has been stolen from your front porch, call police. There could be others in your neighborhood with similar problems. Next, contact your package carrier. Some offer refunds.