(FOX40.COM) — A Northern California police department is bringing back a program that lures would-be porch pirates with strategically-placed packages equipped with a GPS tracker.
• Video Above: What to do if you witness a crime

On Tuesday, the Dixon Police Department said its Bait Package program is back in effect.

Snowy slopes at Tahoe resort see success on 2025 opening day

“As online orders climb, so does the temptation for thieves, and we are once again stepping up to keep Dixon porches safe,” DPD said.

The program is an effort “designed to catch would-be ‘porch pirates’ before they sail off with your holiday deliveries,” according to DPD.

Snowy slopes at Tahoe resort see success on 2025 opening day

Starting this week, officers said they will deploy GPS-equipped bait packages throughout the city.

“These ordinary-looking parcels are anything but ordinary,” DPD said. “Once moved by someone with less-than-honorable intentions, the packages quietly alert our officers, who are already out in the community looking for pirates that may be prowling the neighborhood.”

Dixon Police Chief Robert Thompson said his agency has been doing it for years.

“The goal is simple: let everyone enjoy their deliveries without worrying about someone helping themselves,” Thompson said.

To expand the reach of the program, DPD said it is in search of volunteer addresses where officers can safely and discreetly place bait packages. Residents who wish to help can email porchpirates@dixonpoliceca.gov. Selected homes will receive brief instructions and should keep the placement confidential to ensure the success of the program.

Additionally, DPD offered some tips to keep packages safe this season:

• Track deliveries and bring them inside as soon as possible.
• Provide delivery instructions asking carriers to leave packages in a less visible spot, such as behind a gate or side porch.
• Use secure delivery options like lockboxes or designated package lockers when available.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to grab packages.
• If the retailer offers it, schedule deliveries for times when someone will be home.
• Install doorbell or exterior cameras to help deter thieves and assist officers if anything suspicious occurs.
• Keep porches tidy. A clutter-free porch makes it easier for neighbors and officers to spot unusual activity.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.