Package thefts on the Central Coast are on the rise as delivery companies amp up their drop-offs in the days before Christmas.
Law enforcement say this in an annual occurrence.
The Santa Barbara Police Department said it's getting more reports of parcels stolen from in front of both homes and businesses. In addition, police say thieves are also targeting unlocked cars.
Sgt. Riley Harwood said there's no evidence yet however to show that this year is any better or worse than previous holiday shopping seasons.
"I think it's still a little bit early to make that assessment because I think the holiday shopping season is still ramping up. We have extra officers on patrol in our downtown area, and we call it our safe shopper program," he said.
Sgt. Harwood said to use the tracking services offered by delivery companies and then find a friend or neighbor who can accept the package when it's delivered.
He also said to remove valuables from your vehicles and always keep the doors locked.
Capt. Chris Staley with the San Luis Obispo Police Department told KCBX Tuesday that his officers are not seeing a spike in these thefts locally.
