The Tempe Police Department says it's working to prevent organized retail theft for the holiday season. It’s also making recommendations to the public to keep property safe.
Last year, Tempe police conducted a program dedicated to catching porch pirates with bait packages with tracking devices.
The police attribute the uptick in retail-related thefts to the economy and items being more expensive.
Police sergeant Kurt Buczkowski says the thefts extend to many areas.
“If you’re going to go shoplift stuff all day, then you have every city and a bunch of different stores to do it,” he said.
Buczkowski also recommends people take precautions to protect their property such as designating specific days for delivery. He also advises people not to confront thieves and leave that to police instead.
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