The holiday season is quickly approaching and that also means busier shopping malls, heavier traffic and crowded parking lots.

While some people seem to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season, the convenience of online shopping has grown in popularity.

Of course with the convenience of home deliveries, there's always the risk of missing packages.

Constable Jennifer Brewer, from the Cochrane RCMP says it's important to track your packages and ensure they've been delivered to the right address.

"When you're ordering online, you'll always receive a tracking number from a reputable sales site. Follow those tracking numbers so you know when your packages are going to be delivered and can arrange for someone to be home to receive them. You don't want packages to stay on your doorsteps for too long, because of course there's always a risk that someone will take them. If you know for sure that you won't be home, you may want to make arrangements with a neighbour or even consider having your packages delivered to your work place."

Brewer also says that it's important to use good judgement when purchasing from a buy and sell site, and as a safety precaution she suggests meeting in a public place.

"Don't give your information to people that you don't know. If you are on a buy and sell site, I would always recommend meeting in a public place rather than have a stranger come to your home. It's better to do an exchange in a public place rather than sending an e-transfer to someone you've never met."

Brewer also recommends checking in with your bank if you notice any suspicious activity on your credit cards.