There has been a worrying trend in recent months of packages being stolen from doorsteps after they have been delivered by unscrupulous individuals who follow delivery drivers, wait until the package has been left then quickly steal the parcel regardless of what it contains. The problem is that delivery companies cannot give a specific time of delivery until about an hour before and with many people out at work and unable to stay at home all day waiting for a delivery how can we keep our parcels secure when they are delivered?
If there is the option of delivering your parcel to a local collection point where you can collect it at your convenience, then that is a good solution. Most local shops offer this service and are open in the evening so that the parcel can be collected on your return from work.
For parcels that are delivered to your home it is a good idea to speak to one of the neighbours about whether they could take a parcel in for you if you are out however this should only be an occasional request as they may not be able to stay home repeatedly waiting for your parcel.
Special safety boxes that are bolted to your property wall can be useful for small packages as the delivery driver places the package inside the box then locks the box with a combination lock that you know the code for. This is probably the most secure way of protecting your parcels from theft.