The Seattle Police Department has shared some holiday theft prevention tips.

Prevention Tips at Home:

• Try not to visibly display wrapped or received gifts through windows or doors

• Dispose of packaging, in which gifts or other purchases come in, by breaking down boxes first, turn them inside out so the exterior writing does not show, and don’t put them on the curb until collection day

• Do not run holiday light extension cords inside through a window or door- consider installing an exterior outlet for your holiday lights, so you don’t provide an opened and unlocked entry into your home

• If you are going to be away, let your trusted neighbor know that you plan to be out of town so that they can watch your home for you. If they see suspicious activity while you are away, they will know to call 911

Package Theft Prevention:

Around this time of year, we see an increase in package thefts from homes! In order to reduce the risk of package thefts, we recommend the following prevention tips:

• Track your shipment

• Have items delivered to your place of business, rather than your home

• Require a signature upon delivery

• Pick up the items from the carrier’s local shipping facility

• Arrange to have the package shipped to another location, where someone can receive it

• If none of the above are viable options- at the very least request the package be placed in a discrete location not visible from the street

If you see something- say something!

Call 911 immediately to report suspicious and criminal behavior!