Take steps to protect holiday packages from thieves

There are plenty of ways people can protect their holiday packages from being stolen from their front door or vehicles, a former Chicago police lieutenant writes. (AP)

In the last three months, 17% of Americans have had at least one package stolen from their property. With the holiday season fast approaching, the convenience of having items shipped to your front door is a plus and a minus for most of us.

The impact of package theft is a major inconvenience and a bummer, especially around the holidays. There are ways to minimize the danger and protect yourself.