COLUMBUS (WCMH) – From purchasing gifts to getting them delivered on time, the holiday season can be difficult enough. But thieves stealing packages are making things even more complicated.

Hannah Myers, who lives in Italian Village, knows how upsetting it can be to have packages stolen.

“We would have the packages delivered while we were at work and come home and obviously they weren’t in the front or back of the house,” Myers said.

The United States Postal Service processing center keeps all packages safe from thieves inside its building, but once they have been delivered, there is no telling who might snag the package off your porch.

“Just like your purse or your car, you wouldn’t leave it unlocked or unattended for very long,” said David VanAllen, spokesperson for USPS.

You can give instructions online for package delivery through the post office. Most companies also offer delivery options when you purchase items during the checkout.

“Maybe you should have it delivered to your work or relative’s address,” VanAllen suggested.

Members of the German Village Society can have their packages held at the neighborhood meeting house. As for Myers, she now gives instructions to have her items delivered to work.

“We also got the security camera just in case, and then we do have stuff still delivered and just hope it’s there when we get home,” Myers said.