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The season of giving and porch thefts

Newswatch 16's Emily Kress talked with police in Luzerne County about what you can do to keep porch pirates at bay.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — It's a crime of opportunity—a package unattended on a porch becomes a target this time of year.

James Sheridan is the sergeant of community policing for the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. He says package thefts are year-round, but those reports increase around the holidays.

"Everybody loves to shop and get presents and give those presents to loved ones. So, let's mitigate the opportunity so those porch Grinches don't get the packages and disappoint us," Sgt. Sheridan said.

Sgt. Sheridan tells Newswatch 16 there are some things people can do to ensure those gifts end up under the tree and not in the wrong hands, like telling your delivery driver a more secure place to leave packages or have your packages left somewhere safe.

"Take advantage of drop locations for different online retailers where the packages are delivered to a locker location that you can go pick up if you aren't going to be home. Coordinate with a neighbor to have a package picked up once it is delivered."

Police also say more people steal things out of cars this time of year.

Sgt. Sheridan says if you love it, make sure to lock it. Officers in Wilkes-Barre are doing what they can to help prevent thefts.

"We're putting officers on foot in neighborhoods to be more of a presence, so people know that you're not going to be the Grinch."

"While the big man in red is always watching, officers can't be everywhere. That's why police suggest investing in a home security camera.

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