Pearl police department is warning residents to “Beware of Porch Pirates” as packages arrive this holiday shopping season.

With most delivery services leaving packages on the front porch, the boxes can be easy prey for crooks.

The police department provided these simple steps to help protect you and not allow a Grinch to steal your joy:

• 1. Know when your packages will arrive.
• 2. Bring them in right away.
• 3. If you won’t be at home, have a neighbor pick them up and hold them for you.
• 4. If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call 911 and our officers will come check the person out.