ATLANTA — As online shoppers place orders for Cyber Monday deals, Amazon is offering advice to help prevent packages from being stolen from porches across Georgia.

A recent survey shows Georgia ranks eighth in the nation for porch piracy, with nearly 8,000 packages stolen each day. Amazon, working with the National Sheriffs’ Association, is encouraging shoppers to take steps to keep deliveries secure. Recommendations include leaving porch lights on, tracking delivery times, and giving drivers specific instructions to place packages in hidden locations.

Officials say most thefts happen shortly after deliveries are made, with peak times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. They urge shoppers to provide detailed drop-off directions to keep packages out of sight.

Despite the high numbers, there is some good news, the number of stolen packages has dropped compared to this time last year.

In the metro Atlanta area, some police departments, including the Marietta police department, offer a program where homeowners can request police to patrol their homes while they are away. Gwinnett County police also offered helpful tips to prevent porch pirates, especially during the holiday shopping season.

Here are some helpful tips from Gwinnett County police to prevent package thefts:

• If possible, have your packages delivered to your workplace

• Use pick-up locations or lockers instead of leaving items on your porch

• Track your deliveries and know when to expect them

• Stay cautious and protect your packages this season.

WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright contributed to this story.