An Amazon truck makes deliveries in Wheeling, Ill., in May. Associated Press File Photo

Butler city police Chief Bob O’Neill said he isn’t surprised to see an increase in packages stolen from cars and porches as the holidays approach.

Amid the season of last-minute Christmas shopping, now is the time to exercise vigilance for package theft and scams, according to O’Neill, who offered a series of tips earlier this week to avoid package theft.

“We have had the normal uptick in thefts from vehicles and a few packages have been taken when left at either the wrong house or left out side too long,” he said.

Package theft has been a common occurrence since the rise of e-commerce, but it sees its highest annual rates around the holiday season.

According to a Capital One Shopping Report issued in October, more than 35% of Americans have had a package stolen within the past year, and 29% of stolen packages were valued at more than $100.

In terms of preventing package theft, O’Neill suggests customizing the delivery to set a unique drop-off location that differs from the front door. Requiring a signature to complete the delivery is also recommended.

O’Neill further advised victims of package theft to call 911 to report details of the theft and to collect video evidence through a doorbell or other camera whenever possible.

While some people steal packages, others use the holidays as a unique scam opportunity.

The Adams Township Police Department shared a Facebook post on Tuesday, Dec. 17, originally created by the Akron Police Department in September. The post details “brushing” scams that involve sending a package with no information attached besides the recipient’s address.

“The package will not include the sender’s information or be from a known retailer,” Akron police wrote. “When the recipient opens the package to see what it is and possibly who sent it, there is a QR code to scan to find out who sent the gift.”

Once scanned, the QR code gives scammers complete access to the phone. Personal or financial information can then be lifted, most commonly leading to the emptying of the victim’s bank accounts.

While a gift included in the package can either be kept or thrown away, the QR code should not be scanned, Akron police advised.

“QR code scams are nothing new. These scams show up in all places, including parking meters,” Akron police said.

O’Neill said he has not yet had any reports of that kind of scam happening in the city.

Sheriff Mike Slupe also said he was unaware of such scams in Butler County.

Police advise that if you feel that you are the victim of a package theft or scam to call 911.