Operation No Grinch is underway again this holiday season. Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers have been working extra patrols during random days and times in an effort to crack down, reduce and eliminate package thefts from residential homes.

The first package thefts of the season were reported in November in the 3800 block of 81st Ave. SE. The suspect(s) even took one item out of the shipping package and left the box behind.

MIPD reminds residents that if they are not going to be home to receive their packages, they should arrange to have them shipped to a friend, neighbor, relative or workplace, or utilize the Amazon locker system.

In a post on the Mercer Island Police and Emergency Management Facebook page, MIPD noted that mail thieves are also on the prowl again, and advised residents leaving town to have their mail held at the post office or picked up by a friend.

A locking mailbox is a great holiday gift, and could help prevent identity theft and fraud, according to the post.

Report any suspicious behavior by calling 911 or the non-emergency line, 425-577-5656.