6 things to do right away if your package is stolen this holiday season

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• This holiday season, most of us are expecting packages.
• If your package has been lost or stolen, reach out to the sender or seller about a replacement or refund. 
• You can also file a claim with the shipping company or your homeowners or renters insurance.

The holiday season is here and many of us are already shopping sales and planning gift-giving this year. But with the joy of the holiday season comes the headache of package theft.

According to a survey by ValuePenguin, 35% of Americans have had a package or delivery stolen. Security measures like cameras and the neighborhood watch are not deterring these porch pirates.

So as we approach another season of packages and deliveries, what should you do if you have an Amazon package stolen, a USPS package missing, or a UPS package lost?

1. Track the package

If you suspect that your package has been stolen, the first thing to do is check your confirmation email and tracking number to make sure that it was actually delivered. Your package might be lost, could be facing shipping delays, or may be stuck at the delivery hub before it gets to you.

Before you take the next steps, ensure you've checked all the places your package could have been left, including outdoor spaces like porches and garages, as well as checking with neighbors who may have accepted it on your behalf. Anyone you contact to report that the package has been lost or stolen will ask if you have checked before they proceed with your claim.

2. Contact the retailer

If in fact your package has been lost or stolen, contact the retailer and let them know what has happened. Every retailer has its own policy on lost packages or stolen items, but most will at least send out a replacement for what was taken or even offer a refund.

3. File a claim with the shipping company

You can file a claim for a stolen package with Fedex and UPS. To file a claim with Fedex for U.S. packages, you must file no later than 60 calendar days from the shipment date. For international packages, it's 21 calendar days.

For UPS, you will need to wait 24 hours after the date it was supposed to be delivered before you can file a claim. UPS claims take about 10 days to investigate and process.

4. File a police report

This would seem like the first thing you would do, right? Maybe, but the police are not rushing in to investigate porch pirates. Unless you have proof such as video evidence, it can be hard to prove theft that rises to the level of a police investigation. Thieves are aware that homeowners may have cameras, and can wear hoodies or face masks to conceal their identity.

5. Use the purchase protection feature on your credit card

Many credit cards offer purchase protection that will reimburse you for stolen items — as long as the item was purchased entirely with that credit card and the credit card issuer is notified within a specific period of time. Review your credit card policies to check for this coverage and to file a claim.

6. Contact your homeowners or renters insurance company

Package theft will be covered under your personal property coverage. Most homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies will have limits for jewelry, high-end electronics, and even cash. It's advisable to check these limits before you have items of this type delivered. When I ordered my new iPhone, I didn't take the chance it could be lost or stolen: I elected to have it delivered to the store and pick it up myself.