CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — With holiday shopping in full swing and deliveries arriving daily, Champaign Police are urging residents to take extra precautions to keep gifts and packages safe. As officers note, “Your holiday gifts don’t belong on the lawn,” and unattended deliveries remain among the easiest targets for thieves during the busy shipping season.

Police encourage residents to bring packages inside immediately rather than letting them sit on the porch or lawn, where they can attract unwanted attention. A few simple steps, they say, can go a long way toward ensuring purchases and personal belongings arrive safely under the tree instead of disappearing before they’re even opened.

Among the department’s recommendations: use a video doorbell for real-time monitoring, remove mail from mailboxes promptly, and plan ahead so packages aren’t left outside for long periods. For those expecting high-value items, officers suggest arranging delivery to a workplace, a trusted neighbor, or a secure pickup location such as a post office or smart locker.

Whether buying gifts in person or online, police also remind residents to follow the broader “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It” theft-prevention guidance throughout the holiday season.

Additional safety information and holiday shopping tips are available on the Champaign Police Department website.