It’s that time of year again, Christmas is almost here again and you're probably going start to receive more presents and parcels that have been ordered online through the post and from various courier companies.

Everybody agrees that thieves are just utter scum of the earth and that they are likely to do things you or I are not likely to do, such as go through your post and deliveries and check porches to see if you've had a parcel delivery or two. If you're expecting a delivery, try and make arrangements to have them delivered to a neighbour, so they aren’t visible. If your employer will allow it, have your parcel or package delivered to your workplace. If you have home deliveries place furniture or items on the porch that blocks the packages away from prying eyes. Couriers and delivery driver look for places like these so they can make sure your delivery will be more secure. Sometimes courier companies allow you to leave alternative delivery instructions when you order your goods so you can have them put on a side porch or a specific location like in a wheelie bin or over a locked gate. Lastly, use informed delivery so your package can be tracked and you can be alerted by text message or email when it arrives.

Here are some Christmas parcel delivery tips to remember.

• ARRANGE FOR YOUR PARCEL TO BE DELIVERED TO YOUR WORKPLACE - ​If work allows it, have your package delivery made to your office. You may not be able to get weekend delivery if you’re not there, but it would be a convenient, safe way to have your parcel delivered when you're not at home.

• PICK UP POINTS​ - Some delivery services have designated delivery locations for you to have your parcels & packages delivered to. You can then carry out the collection of your packages on your way home from work. Amazon and UPS provide secure lockers in shops such as CO-OP, convenience stores, storefronts and more.​

• REQUEST A RE-DELIVERY​ - You can ask that your package is stored at the delivery facility of the courier company, rerouted to another location, or delivered on another day.

• USE A NEIGHBOUR’S HOUSE​ - If you can find a neighbour who is happy to take in your delivery for you, this is an excellent idea. Or, if you’re the entrepreneurial type, start a service for a small fee for friends and family. You can become your own Amazon Locker!

• USE CCTV - A small wireless CCTV camera which can be bought online will enable you to see visitors, even when not at home. It works through a Wi-Fi enabled camera at your door and an app on your phone. These are quite easy to install yourself if you have a basic grasp of DIY and the correct tools.

• REQUEST A POD / PROOF OF DELIVERY​ – Proof Of Delivery / POD for your delivery. Request a signature and printed name for a package, this ensures that the package isn’t just left somewhere which can be spotted by thieving scum bags.

• CREATE HIDING PLACE FOR YOUR DELIVERY - You may be able to hide a small parcel delivery behind plant pots or furniture in your porch. Don't assume that all delivery drivers will actually put a package there, many do try to make sure that packages are put in places so they aren't visible but there are those who don’t due to time restrictions and the number of parcel deliveries they have to carry out that day.