TAMPA, Fla ( WFLA) — Cyber Monday deals can be the premier buying time for your holiday shopping, but as those items get delivered, thieves are looking to grab them off your doorsteps.

It unfortunately has become a tradition during the holiday season.

The Tampa Police Department said last year, from January to October there were about 30 reports of porch pirates. By November and December, they had 60 reports.

8 On Your Side asked TPD to share data from recent porch pirate cases, and is still waiting to receive them.

There were delivery drivers throughout Tampa neighborhoods on Monday.

Stephen, who didn’t want to share a last name, said he mostly sees porch pirates online, but not on his street.

“Yeah we look out for each other and just kind of know who’s in the neighborhood for the most part and just keep an eye out,” said Stephen.

This crime is not always reported to the police. Some people may rely on the service they buy from to replace what was stolen.

“As long as it’s not a regular thing they’ll give you some new ones. I guess that’s good but it still sucks,” said Stephen.

Stephen said the police can only do so much. Some agencies can’t access the websites people share porch pirate videos on, so it’s best to call the police.

“Everyone should report anything that they see. Any crime. If they see something they should definitely say something so we can do something,” said TPD Officer Angelica Plummer.

If a porch pirate steals an item worth more than $40 from someone’s home, they can be charged with a third-degree felony. That law will be enforced this holiday season.

“If anyone is thinking about being a porch pirate and stealing Christmas, it’s not going to happen. We encourage you not to do it, if you do it you will definitely find yourself in the county jail,” said Plummer.

Here are a few ways to stop porch pirates from getting your packages:

  • Invest in a lockbox. You would give the delivery service a code to use the box for secure storage.
  • Have packages delivered to your job.
  • Require a signature for delivery.
  • Rent a PO Box from your local post office.