WASHINGTON – The convenience of online shopping has a downside, namely thieves stealing your packages when they arrive on your doorstep.

Police in the region report an upswing in these crimes of opportunity.

Some thieves are actually following the delivery trucks, waiting for just the right time to steal a package, The Washington Post reports.

In some cases, they rip the box open on your porch and just take off with what’s inside.

Police say if you do get ripped off, report it so they can track the patterns of thefts.

If you know a package is coming, it might be a good idea to alert a neighbor you trust.

WTOP’s Hank Silverberg contributed to this report. Follow Hank and WTOP on Twitter.

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