The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill toward others, but Consumer Reports is warning gift givers and recipients that crooks are on the lookout for packages left languishing on doorsteps.

“Brazen package snatchers have been known to shadow  FedEx, UPS and U.S. Post Office trucks, swooping in to steal items if the homeowners are away or too slow to retrieve them,” Consumer Reports says.

To help avoid being victimized,  the nonprofit on Tuesday  shared these tips:

– Choose a shipping option that requires a signature for delivery.

– If you know a package is coming, try to be home. You can check the delivery status via online tracking.

– If you’ll be out, leave a note at the door asking that the package be left with a neighbor who might be home. Or ask the delivery service if the package can be deposited is a less-visible area than the front door.

– Have the package shipped to a location where someone is more likely to be present, such as the recipient’s office.

– Have the delivery service hold the package.

– If the item is valuable, buy insurance.

– Report the missing package as soon as possible to the shipper and police.

– If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster. You’ll be asked to file a formal complaint using Form 2016, which is available online.

– Contact your credit card company.  Some cards, like those from American Express, offer free purchase protection to guard against theft  for 90 days from the purchase date.

Here’s more information from Consumer Reports.