Protecting your packages from porch thieves

On the heels of the busiest Cyber Monday ever, police and package delivery companies are warning online shoppers about porch pirates.

News 10's Cryss Walker spoke with experts about ways to protect your delivery.

The U.S. Postal Service is expected to mail out 16 billion items this holiday season and 900 million of those will be packages.

The grinches are out and they're looking to steal your Christmas package.

They can be seen lurking around your neighborhood, watching your porch to take off with your online order.

“The best thing that customers can do this holiday season for the safe delivery of their packages is to plan. Plan ahead. As you're ordering your packages

Think about if you're going to be at home when those packages are being delivered”, said USPS Customer Communications Specialist Sabrina Todd.

If you're not going to be home you can also have your package held at your local post office.

You can also check with a neighbor to see if one will be home during the time of your delivery and they can accept the package for you.

Another good practice is to have a signature requirement for your delivery or leave instructions for your carrier.

You can select these shipping options when typing in your tracking number online.

U.S.P.S. will be extending their office hours on select Sundays through the month on December.

The Lansing Main Post Office located at 4800 Collins Rd. will be open December 9th, 16th and 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The East Lansing Post Office located at 1140 Abbott Rd. will be open December 9th and 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The deadline for priority mail is December 20th and December 22nd for priority express.

If you're missing a package, and need help locating it,, contact your local post office or the company that was scheduled to deliver it.