MONROE COUNTY, PA — While you’re checking your list twice, thieves across the Poconos are checking out yours.

The Stroud Area Regional Police Department is alerting residents throughout Monroe County and the greater NEPA region that the holiday season brings a predictable surge in theft-related crimes. From car break-ins at Pocono shopping centers to porch pirates prowling neighborhoods in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, and surrounding townships, law enforcement sees opportunistic criminals cash in on festive cheer from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

Don’t Make It Easy for Them

The biggest mistake Pocono region shoppers make? Advertising their haul. Whether you’re hitting the outlets in Tannersville, shopping at the Stroudsburg Mall, or making runs to big box stores in Bartonsville, shopping bags piled in backseats and wrapped gifts visible through car windows might as well come with a sign that says “steal me.”

Thieves often stake out busy NEPA shopping areas during peak hours, watching for distracted shoppers loading purchases into vehicles.

“It can be an easy grab that ends up escalating to more than stolen gifts,” Stroud Area Regional Police warned in their holiday safety alert to the community.

Protect Your Vehicle and Purchases

Never leave your car running unattended — This is especially tempting during cold Pocono winters when you want to warm up the vehicle, but it’s an open invitation for thieves. If you must remote-start your vehicle, ensure it’s locked with a remote start function that requires the key fob to drive.

Hide your holiday shopping — Toss a blanket over bags and boxes in your backseat or, better yet, lock everything in the trunk before you head to your next store. Don’t reorganize your purchases in parking lots across Monroe County where you’re being watched.

Park smart in NEPA’s busy shopping areas — Choose well-lit spots near building entrances and security cameras at popular Poconos retail destinations. Avoid isolated corners of parking lots, especially after dark when winter sun sets early in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Don’t leave valuables visible — GPS devices, phone chargers, loose change, and other items signal there might be something worth stealing inside your car.

Stop the Porch Pirates

With online shopping at an all-time high, doorstep deliveries are a goldmine for thieves.

Require signatures — For expensive purchases, opt for signature confirmation or hold packages at the carrier’s facility for pickup.

Install a doorbell camera — Video doorbells not only capture thieves in the act but often deter them entirely.

Schedule strategic deliveries — Time packages to arrive when someone’s home, or ask a trusted neighbor to grab them.

Use alternative pickup points — Many retailers offer in-store or locker pickup options that eliminate the risk entirely.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

The holidays should be about joy, not filing police reports. A few simple precautions can save you from becoming a statistic in the seasonal crime spike.

If you witness suspicious activity or theft in progress, contact the Stroud Area Regional Police Department immediately at (570) 421-6800, or dial 911 for emergencies.

From all of us: Have a safe and secure holiday season.

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The Stroud Area Regional Police Department serves the communities of Stroudsburg Borough, Stroud Township, and surrounding areas in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.