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Police are issuing advice to people who have ordered Christmas gifts online and are having them delivered to their homes across Gloucestershire. Parcel theft is particularly prevalent at this time of year with opportunistic thieves taking advantage of deliveries left unattended on people's doorsteps. Following an increase in reports of parcel theft across the county, officers are urging people to take the following preventative steps to try and keep deliveries secure: Track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the deliveryInstall a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and are often easier to install than a full CCTV systemInstall a security light.Arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or other family members who will be at home; if you live in a flat, is there someone who could accept the parcel for you?Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries or for expensive items. These parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations - such as supermarkets - rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves.Use a secure storage box outside the building.Look at the delivery preferences on the company’s website to see what suits you best.If you have ordered something and it has not arrived, first contact the company you ordered it from or the delivery company. If you think a parcel has been stolen or notice anyone acting suspiciously, you can make a report online at: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/ or by calling 101. Always dial 999 if it’s an emergency. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | 
