Here's a story that could have been written last Christmas, and the one before that.  

Airdrie RCMP are investigating after three people in the Bayside Area complained of having parcels that had been left at their doorsteps taken by thieves.

Corporal Gina Slaney says it's unfortunate that each year at Christmas, when many people are expecting packages to be delivered, that so many people are victimized.

Slaney has some tips to prevent such occurrences from happening.

"We suggest that, if possible, you ask for a signature, you have to have a signature when people are dropping off parcels, especially this time of year.  We are dealing with a lot of people getting a lot of things sent, we just had Black Friday.  If it's not possible to get a signature if you're not going to be home then get the FedEx people or Canada Post to bring it back to their shop."

Slaney says while requiring a signature might be a bit inconvenient, it pales in comparison to the inconvenience of having your packages taken.

Slaney says there are other ways to prevent parcel thefts if you know your neighbours.  "Something else to consider is, if you have a neighbour around, maybe somebody who's retired and you can trust, maybe see if you can have the parcel delivered to their residence if you know that they're around and they don't mind doing something like that for you." 

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