The holiday shopping season is about to jump into high gear. That means in prime season for burglars to strike too. Cedar Rapids police are warning residents to keep an eye out for anything that seems out of place.

Police warn shoppers to watch out and keep their packages hidden and locked up. Don't leave them in an unlocked car, or in plain sight in the back seat of your car. Burglars know that there are more parked cars with gifts in them this time of year. Officials say that there is an average of 80 car burglaries in November and December each year. Experts say anything visible is an invitation to thieves, but the biggest is an unlocked vehicle.

Police say a growing problem is what they call 'porch pirates'. They steal online purchases being delivered to homes. In September and October police say they've had five such reports each month. Police say that doorbell cameras and alarm systems are becoming increasingly popular to fight off the problem. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, you can always have packages delivered to your work address. Check with your boss first!

 

[via KCRG]

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