Were your holiday deliveries stolen? What to know about porch piracy and what you can do about it

Packages are stacked on the doorstep of a home in Upper Darby, Pa. Retailers and delivery companies have been trying to combat the theft of delivered packages in a variety of ways. — AP

NEW YORK: You found the perfect holiday gift online. You ordered it. A notification arrived on your phone, showing the package had arrived. But when you open your doors, the parcel is nowhere to be found.

If this has happened to you, then count yourself among the unlucky group of shoppers who fall victim to package thefts – or porch piracy, as it's commonly known.