The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has started an operation to catch “porch pirates” by placing fake packages outside of residents’ homes.

Deputies from the Crime Prevention Unit placed the imitation packages in hopes to curb the increase of theft during the holiday season, according to Shirley Miller, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

“There are some people just out looking for packages to steal,” said Crime Prevention Sgt. Dan Dantice. “We want to catch the ones that are stealing someone’s package right off of their front porch.”

Although deputies are on the lookout for package thieves, Dantice reminds residents to take preventative steps with scheduled package deliveries.

“Sign up for alerts from UPS or USPS so that you can get email or text notifications when your package is arriving,” said Dantice. “Make arrangements to be home, or have a neighbor pick it up for you. Don’t leave it sitting out.”

For those who are expecting packages during a time when they might not be home, recipients can customize delivery instructions, such as requesting the driver place a package on the side of the house or leave it with a neighbor.

To sign up for UPS My Choice, click here.

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