POLICE have implemented a new anti-theft strategy to prevent packages from being stolen ahead of the holidays.

The Northville Township Police Department in Michigan is taking steps to protect citizens’ online packages.

The program, Operation Max’s Vault, allows residents to ship their online orders to the police department, where they can be held for up to five days, according to their press release.

Each package is placed in a secure area, where no theft can take it, and the option is free to residents.

The program was named after the department’s support dog, Max, with the goal of showing the police’s dedication to its residents.

“This unique crime prevention program is an example of how the Northville Township Police Department continues to innovate in order to provide exceptional service in a professional, creative, responsible manner,” said Scott Hilden, police chief.

“It will reduce the opportunity for porch pirates to steal packages after they are delivered to a dwelling and left unattended.”

Last year was a terrible year for theft in the area.

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Between November and December 2022, 83 packages were stolen in Oakland, Washtenaw, and Western Wayne counties, according to the release.

In order to participate in the program, packages need to be under 50pounds, and can’t contain any illegal contraband, animals, weapons, ammunition, hazardous material, or flammable liquids.

When picking up a package, the buyer needs to bring their government-issued ID that matches the shipment name as well as the receipt.

Family or friends are not permitted to pick up a package on the buyer’s behalf.

From there they will need to sign a release form, in order to get the package.

Anyone in the community has until January 1st to utilize this program.

After the program is terminated, residents have a week to get their packages before the department returns them back to the sender.

This is following the announcement of new technology being developed to combat the rise in retail theft.

Dr. Read Hayes, director of the Loss Prevention Research Council, spoke to Today about a device that can be utilized to reduce wait times when customers want to buy things behind lock and key.

The new technology can call an associate over to help the shopper or even text the customer when an employee is available.