First Holiday Package Thefts Hit Mercer Island

MERCER ISLAND, WA - The city saw its first round of holiday package thefts on Wednesday, according to police.

It's a particularly big problem during the holiday season as package shipments heat up. But Mercer Island Police have launched a special operation to combat the thefts.

Police said that three packages were taken on Wednesday from two homes along the 3800 block of 81st Avenue Southeast. In one instances, the thief removed items and left the box behind.

The department's Operation No Grinch aims to stop such thefts. Police will work extra patrols during random days and times to reduce thefts. The department recommends that residents take steps to prevent theft.

"If you are not going to be home to receive your packages, arrange to have them shipped to a friend, neighbor, relative, workplace or utilize the Amazon locker system. It is worth putting up with a little inconvenience to retrieve your packages rather than not receive them at all," the department said on its Facebook page.

Police also advise residents who are going out of town to either put mail on hold or get a locking mailbox. If you see suspicious activity, police say to call the non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 or 911.

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