Stay Out of Petaluma, Grinches! Police Planting GPS Trackers In Bait Packages

PETALUMA, CA – In an attempt to deter package theft this holiday season, police in Petaluma said today they are trying to lure would-be thieves by placing packages with GPS trackers throughout the city.

The department is partnering with community members in Petaluma to place “bait packages” containing the GPS trackers both at homes, vehicles, and businesses throughout the city.

Once the package is stolen, an alert occurs at the Petaluma Police Department and within a few minutes, officers will be able to apprehend the suspect(s).

There will be multiple “bait packages” throughout the city, both during the holidays and beyond. These packages will look no different than any other package delivered to doorsteps by UPS or other shipping services.

The best protection, however, is still prevention, the department added.

To protect your packages from being stolen, there are things the Petaluma PD recommends:

• Have your packages delivered to a location where they can be received in person, such as your workplace or neighbor’s house, if allowed.

• Ask the delivery company to hold your package at their closest pick-up facility until you can pick it up.

• If purchasing from a larger retailer, consider having your package delivered to a local store for pick-up.

• Choose a specific delivery time when you will be home, if that is an option.

• Take advantage of delivery alerts so you can be notified when a package arrives at your home.

• Ask the shipper to require a signature confirmation of delivery, in order to prevent packages from being left when no one is home to sign for them.

• Provide delivery instructions so packages can be left out of sight from your yard or the road.

• Home security cameras are extremely helpful. If possible put a sticker on your front window or a sign in your yard letting potential thieves know your house is under surveillance.

• Doorbell cameras have become widely popular, as you receive a motion alert to your mobile phone when there is activity at your front door. You are able to both see and speak to the person from either inside your home or another location.

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