By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
With Christmas around the corner and people finishing up their holiday shopping, people should be aware of any Grinches that are out and about.
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says now is the time of year where people are having packages stolen, whether it be from their porch or even their cars.
Puett says as you have packages delivered to your homes, you should be aware of these thieves that can move quickly.
"Often times they're driving down the street with the door open so they can run and jump back in the vehicle, but they're driving and they just look for packages and they'll go up and grab them and throw them in the car and then off they go," Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "So, if you have cameras, and Ring doorbell stuff, and that type of stuff make sure that's in place."
Puett says if you are not going to be home when a package arrives, you should consider different options to ensure you get your package securely.
"Watch your mail, watch your packages get them collected, or if you're going to be gone have a neighbor collect them, or a lot of employers will allow you to have stuff delivered to work so you can get it there," Puett points out. "Look at those things."
Puett says thieves will also take gifts from vehicles. He says if you are out shopping to be sure your packages and valuables are not on display for everyone to see
"Put the packages in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, cover them with something, don't leave a wallet and a phone laying out in the seat and run into the store or anything like that," Puett explains. "You know, people are somehow shocked because they lose packages, it takes about three seconds to bust a window and reach in and grab the stuff and be gone."
Puett says people should be sure to lock their vehicles if they are going to carry items of value inside the vehicle.