The holiday shopping frenzy is well underway, and with it, there is an increase in cases of package theft from front porches. The Mentor Police Department is doubling its efforts to catch so-called "porch pirates" by deploying its annual undercover operation to safeguard residents' deliveries. According to FOX 8 News, police will utilize bait boxes equipped with GPS trackers to capture thieves in the act. Captain Michael Majernik from the Mentor Police Department stated, "We'll have bait boxes out there, a package with a GPS tracker in there."

The police are also encouraging the community to protect their parcels proactively. Residents are advised to quickly retrieve items delivered to their front doors and to consider installing security cameras—a venture supported by local businesses. I think it’ll be really good, there’s a lot going on, but that’s a good thing," Kylie, a local store manager at Second Sole, told Cleveland19, with an optimistic outlook toward the heightened police presence.

Alongside these measures, the police department depends on the community as additional eyes on the street. According to a FOX8 interview, Captain Majernik expressed that citizens often do not report such crimes to the police, opting instead to contact delivery services directly. This year, the department is asking residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity, including noting the license plates of unfamiliar vehicles near delivery areas.

Another layer of technological defense comes from the city's FLOCK camera system, which allows police to capture relevant suspect information. "We have a system where people can report and let us know they have surveillance cameras. So if something happens, we know we can get the footage from them," Captain Majernik detailed in a statement obtained by Cleveland19. Continuously updated surveillance means criminals now face an increased risk of being caught. The Mentor Police Department has reiterated that even first-time offenders could face up to six months in jail for misdemeanor theft, as Communications Officer Ante Logarusic noted in a release covered by WKYC.

With the collective effort of law enforcement and community vigilance, the Mentor Police Department hopes to significantly reduce the incidents of package theft this season. For those who suspect they may have been victims of a porch pirate, the Mentor Police non-emergency line is available at 440-255-1234. Simple steps like tracking online orders and remaining watchful can make a difference in ensuring the holiday season remains jolly.