Keeping your packages safe from thieves

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A suspected package thief is off the streets in Center City, but police say that's just one person taking advantage of the mail system during this busy time of year.

John Stonis, the manager of an apartment building in Old City, says over the years he has seen it all.

"We had a guy once. Chinese food delivery - supposedly, came in, somebody just lets him right in, we see it on the video and he's trying like every door," Stonis said.

Recently, there were reports of packages being stolen from other apartment buildings in the area.

A photo of the suspect was delivered to police this past weekend.

The suspect, described by investigators as a repeat offender, was arrested Monday night.

John Price of Olney says he recently had a similar problem in his neighborhood.

"I used to get my Neflix and Gamefly games delivered to my house and they would go missing so I decided to get myself a P.O. Box; that's the easiest solution," Price said.

US Postal Inspector George Clark says getting a P.O. Box is just one way for people to protect their packages from being stolen after delivery.

"They can ask for signature confirmation which means the parcel won't delivered unless somewhere is there to accept it. They can have parcels held at a post office if they want. To do that they should go online to usps.com. There's a form on there, fill it out, take it to your local post office and they will hold parcels," Clark said.

You can also have a text message sent to you for your package's arrival time or have the package sent to your office.

John Stonis adds if you live in an apartment complex, be careful about letting people into the building, especially during the holidays.

"It's all about knowing your neighbors. Use your deadbolt, know who's coming into your building, and have a nice holiday," Stonis said.