Starting This Week – Volunteers Wanted

The Dixon Police Department is pleased to announce the return of our annual Bait Package Program, an effort designed to catch would-be “porch pirates” before they sail off with your holiday deliveries. As online orders climb, so does the temptation for thieves, and we are once again stepping up to keep Dixon porches safe.

Starting this week, officers will deploy GPS-equipped bait packages throughout the city. These ordinary-looking parcels are anything but ordinary. 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.

Chief Robert Thompson noted, “We’ve been doing this for years, and each season we remain committed to deterring package theft and protecting our residents. The goal is simple: let everyone enjoy their deliveries without worrying about someone helping themselves.”

To expand the reach of the program, we are seeking volunteer addresses where officers can safely and discreetly place bait packages. Participation is simple: 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.

While our undercover officers continue their search for porch-side buccaneers, we also encourage residents to track their deliveries, secure packages when possible, and report suspicious behavior promptly to the Dixon Police Department.

Tips to Keep Your Packages Safe This Season

While our undercover officers are out keeping an eye open for pirate activity, residents can help protect their treasures with a few easy steps:

• Track your deliveries and bring them inside as soon as you’re able.
 • 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 your package if you’re away.
 • Schedule deliveries for times when you know you’ll be home, if the retailer offers it.
 • 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.

Together, we can make sure porch pirates get nothing more than a lump of coal in their holiday haul this year.

For questions or participation, please contact:
porchpirates@dixonpoliceca.gov
Dixon Police Department – 707-678-7070