‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, family and gift giving. It is also the season in which law enforcement officials encourage residents to be prepared and help themselves and local departments prevent porch pirates from interrupting the joyous times. Local police are warning residents to once again be prepared and take necessary precautions to stop thieves from raiding packages delivered to homes while residents are not home or unaware of the delivery. Wickliffe Police Lt. James Coolick is among many law enforcement officials who believe being prepared is the top measure of defense. “Prevention is the best measure,” Coolick said. “If you are expecting a large or expensive delivery, make arrangements to be home to accept delivery. If you can’t be home during delivery, make arrangements to have a neighbor, friend or family member bring the item inside for you. “Electronics, such as cellphones, tablets and computers, have been specifically targeted by criminals recently. Remain extra vigilant if you are expecting a delivery such as that.” Coolick added that deterrence is the next best measure. With the prevalence and relatively inexpensive cost of doorbell and security cameras, this is an added step that may help protect deliveries and the Wickliffe Police Department has even used decoy delivery packages in the past in areas where thefts have occurred and plan to do the same this holiday season to watch for potential porch pirates. Willoughby Hills Police Chief Matthew Naegele said it is the time of year that porch pirates focus on because of the sheer number of packages being delivered. “Thieves who steal packages are especially active during the holiday season when there is higher volume of valuable, desirable packages being delivered and porch pirates are opportunistic,” Naegele said. “They generally work quickly — they usually don’t spend too much time poking around. We encourage our residents to be proactive and put some simple measures in place to protect yourselves both during and after the holiday season.” He said some of the tips for residents include having visible security cameras on the porch – thieves may think twice, leaving instructions on any websites used to order items and requesting an out-of-sight location for delivery or a specific time request window for delivery and coordinating with neighbors in the event you may be away during delivery times. Mentor Police Chief Ken Gunsch said while porch pirates are most prominent during the holiday season it is something that the department encourages residents to be vigilant about all year long. “Although we highlight the possibility of package thefts during the holiday season, this really applies year round,” Gunsch said. “Thieves look for easy opportunities when committing crimes and packages sitting on the front porch make for an easy crime of opportunity. Any steps we can take to limit those opportunities will help keep us safe and our property safe.” “Finally, if you see something suspicious call the police,” Gunsch added. “The police have a much better chance of catching a package thief or other criminal if we are notified when the act is occurring.” Gunsch echoed the others in suggesting scheduled deliveries for residents to be home, smart lockers, security cameras and using the “ship to store” option for pick up. Mayfield Heights Police Chief Anthony Mele said his department hasn’t necessarily seen an increase in porch pirates, but it is still something he encourages residents take very seriously. “While our department hasn’t seen an uptick in porch pirates recently, the holidays are approaching so residents need to take steps to protect their deliveries,” Mele said. “Some simple planning will help mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of this crime. It would be best to have the package delivered when you know you are going to be home to receive it, especially if it’s an expensive item. Pick up the package from your doorstep as soon as possible. “If you can’t be home when the package is going to be delivered, consider having the package delivered to a family member or friend who you know will be home.” Willoughby Police Detective Lt. John Begovic said residents can educate themselves on preventing porch pirates as well as heeding tips from local police. “With the holiday season quickly approaching, it is unfortunate that residents have to deal with the reality of porch pirates,” Begovic said. “There are many articles that have been written on prevention. Take the time to do some research and come up with a plan that works for you and that is feasible.” He also agrees that package tracking, video sensors or sensor lights and pick-up locations are just some of the options to help defend against porch pirates. Willowick Police Lt. Keith Lawrence said something as simple as setting a desired time for delivery so valuable items are not left unattended can make all the difference. “Have expensive/valuable items set to be delivered during a time that you will be home to avoid having the package sitting out unattended for too long,” Lawrence said. “Also, people can opt to pick up big ticket items directly from the store instead of having them delivered, if possible. Home security cameras are always a good idea for theft deterrence and prosecution.”