Package pirates on the rise, tips to keep your holiday theft-free [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – With the holiday season approaching, the risk of package theft and other crimes is on the rise.

According to Security.org, one-quarter of American adults have had a package stolen from their doorstep, and as holiday online shopping continues to increase, “porch pirates” target deliveries left unattended.

To protect gifts coming in the mail, the Rapid City Police Department public information officer, Brendyn Medina, urges people to take precautions so they don’t fall victim to this ‘crime of opportunity.’

He asks the public to consider scheduling deliveries for when they’re home, using security cameras or motion-sensing lights to deter thieves or asking a trusted neighbor to place packages in a safe spot.

“Because it’s a crime of opportunity, and people are doing more and more online shopping we are seeing that opportunity increase and as a result we are seeing the crime increase, it all comes down to …