Holiday shopping via the Internet has been on the rise, and police say it has brought with it a new kind of theft.

Eastchester police have confirmed several incidents of packages being stolen from doorsteps after their delivery. There have been several incidents along Dale Road and Scarsdale Road, police say.

Catalog shoppers have been targeted as well as anyone who places an order that requires delivery. Police believe the thieves watch for delivery trucks and steal the packages if no one answers the door. They think the thieves are able to make a quick getaway by using the Bronx River Parkway.

Residents are helping out by keeping an eye on their neighbors.

?I walked by my friend?s house, I saw a package outside so I decided to take it and put it by the back door,? Eastchester resident Gina Pullano said. ?I thought if I could help a friend, I?d like to.?

Police are patrolling the area to try and control the theft. They ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to notify the police immediately.