As Christmas approaches and peoples online holiday purchases start to arrive on the front steps, it can be an enticing sight for thieves.

On November 27, 2023, at approximately 6:30 pm, in the 300 block of Mitton Street in the City of Sarnia a female suspect entered the porch of the residence and stole an amazon package. The package contained Christmas gifts including a western style necklace with a silver cicada, two children’s books (The Spider and The Mosquito), a fidget cube, a container of toy bugs and a 10 pack of children’s boxer briefs. The total value of the parcel is $101.84.

Police report that these types of thefts are on the rise as the Christmas season approaches.

The following are some steps you can take to stop package thefts:

• Request a signature on delivery.
  
• Ship the package to a trusted neighbour or relative who will be home.
  
• Have the packages delivered to your work – if allowed by the employer.
  
• Track your deliveries online so you know when they’re slated to arrive and plan to be home upon delivery.
  
• Opt for in-store or curb-side pickup wherever possible.
  
• Install video cameras and post signage to indicate surveillance is in effect.
  
• Request the package be left out of sight at a rear or side door.
  

If you have had a package stolen, please call your local police, you are a victim of theft. If you have a ring or door cam, providing pictures or video to the police for possible identification is very helpful.

If you know of someone committing these thefts, can identify the person in the photo or have witnessed an incident and wish to remain anonymous, please call Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go on line at www.p3tips.com.