Bloomington, IL – As holiday deliveries increase across Central Illinois, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to take extra steps to prevent package theft during the Christmas season.
According to the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, the reminder is part of its ongoing “12 Days of Safety” campaign, with Day 2 focused on package theft prevention. Officials say porch theft, often referred to as “porch piracy,” becomes more common this time of year as online shopping peaks and packages are left unattended.
Authorities recommend residents track deliveries closely and retrieve packages as soon as they arrive. Leaving items outside for extended periods — especially overnight — significantly increases the risk of theft, according to law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages using delivery lockers when available or coordinating with trusted neighbors to accept packages if no one is home. Installing doorbell cameras or motion-activated security lighting can also serve as a deterrent and help identify suspicious activity.
“With holiday gifts arriving daily, a few simple precautions can help ensure your hard-earned purchases make it safely inside your home,” the Sheriff’s Office said in its advisory.
McLean County includes the cities of Bloomington and Normal and is part of the greater Central Illinois region, where law enforcement agencies often see seasonal spikes in property-related crimes during the holidays.
Residents who notice suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods are encouraged to report it to local authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office says additional holiday safety tips will continue to be shared throughout the week as part of the campaign.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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