CHIEF DEPUTY WARD CALHOUN GIVES SOME TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT PORCH PIRATES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

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THE HOLIDAYS AREN’T ONLY FOR GIVING. UNFORTUNATELY, SOME USE THE INFLUX OF GIFTS TO JUSTIFY A SEASON OF TAKING. TWIN STATES NEWS DANNY TODD HAS INFORMATION THAT COULD HELP BETTER PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY THIS YEAR.

Tis the season of gifts, packages, and boxes. These items sitting on your porch may attract the unwanted attention of porch pirates and passer-bys as your home is unoccupied. We speak with Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department to give you a leg up against these grinches and scrooges of today's times.

CHIEF DEPUTY WARD CALHOUN OF THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT says "Unfortunately, there are some Grinches out in our society who, during this holiday season, specifically after Thanksgiving into the Christmas season, who will steal items that are left by various carriers at people's homes.''

Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun advises that you find a place to send your packages where you know, someone will be there when it's delivered. This can be a family member's home or place of business. He also pointed out that many times when the porch pirates strike, there isn't a deputy close by to catch them in the act. But Calhoun has some recommendations on how you can help law enforcement catch the thieves.

Ward Calhoun says "Having outdoor cameras or doorbell cameras, those types of devices that record are great aides in our fight to try to hold people accountable when they do commit crimes such as these.

Ward Calhoun also shines a light on some other suggestions that will help you be less vulnerable during the holiday season.

Ward Calhoun says "Just making sure that your drapes are pulled when no one's at home so that individuals that might come up to your house won't be looking through the window, seeing a lot of packages, perhaps underneath trees, which they then think of the idea of breaking into your home.

The chief deputy also stresses the importance of breaking down your boxes when putting them in the trash. This will prevent people driving by from finding out what gifts you may have inside your home.

DANNY TODD, TWIN STATES NEWS, MERIDIAN.