It's National Package Protection Day and officials are warning about package thefts, especially around the holidays.

Police say package thefts happen throughout the year, but it's more common during the holiday season.

"It's something you've got to be very careful of, protecting the items that you're receiving," says Garden City Police

Commissioner Ken Jackson. "Maybe the neighbor will pick it up or they could have the package sent to another destination where they can pick it up or try to have it delivered when you're going to be around."

People who have had packages stolen with gifts inside for the holidays say it's frustrating and they do everything they can now to prevent it.

"They're very smart and they're very sneaky," says Oyster Bay resident Susan File. "This one little package that should be very easy to receive ended up taking three trips to finally get it.

"It's not a good feeling and particularly when it's time sensitive and you're trying to get it to somebody so often you can't easily replace it," says Oyster Bay resident Dan Searby.