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Mentor Police have plan to catch porch pirates this holiday season

The plan includes officers using unmarked vehicles and bait boxes with GPS tracking.

MENTOR, Ohio — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a previously published, unrelated story. 

Online sales are expected to set records again this holiday season and with packages being delivered to homes, porch pirates are always a concern.

The Mentor Police Department is fighting back this year with the return of their undercover "Porch Pirate" detail; Mentor Police launched the program last year.

The Lake County law enforcement agency will have officers operating throughout city neighborhoods, using a variety of tools which include driving unmarked vehicles, the use of surveillance equipment, and using bait boxes that contain GPS tracking units.

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Porch piracy is a crime of opportunity, officials say. Thieves will often follow a delivery truck or cruise around an area looking for an attractive target. The thieves look for high value items that they can quickly flip for cash.

Residents can take precaution to protect against porch pirates by tracking online orders and removing delivered packages as soon as they arrive.

Law enforcement officials also suggest that homeowners consider installing security cameras, as well as keep an eye out for suspicious cars or a theft in progress. 

Police say that if you do see a theft happen, try to get the license plate and notify law enforcement officials immediately. A description of the suspect or vehicle or even a partial license plate can lead to an arrest. 

Those convicted of misdemeanor thefts in the City of Mentor can face up to six months in jail even for a first offense.

For more information, call Mentor Police at (440) 255-1234.

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