We’re just a few short days away from Christmas, there’s no doubt more than a few of you are still trying to wrap up some last-minute shopping.

It’s kind of a tradition within itself, and for those who are in the business of delivering our packages, thank you for working the hours you are in order to get our orders to us during this busy time as quickly as possible.

However, with this late shopping surge, more packages will be left alone on doorsteps, unattended and making them easy targets for those devoid of any kind of Christmas spirit.

Every year, freeloaders walk city sidewalks across the United States looking for the opportunity to not only trespass, but to steal off of doorsteps.

Some of these thieves are also coming with a certain level of arrogance, as demonstrated by a case in St. Paul this past Friday. According to Minnesota Public Radio, one such Grinch left this note behind after thieving a package: “So just a quick little thank you for leaving me the opportunity of stealing your package very nice of you Thank you.” Not only is punctuation a distant idea for this thief, but insult was added to injury when it was signed “The new owner of your package.”

Packages have also been reported stolen in Albert Lea in recent days, and police have encouraged people to track their packages and remove them once they arrive before a thief can get ahold of them. And if you see a neighbor with packages on their doorstep, do what you can to keep an eye on them, too.

Police have also urged the use of video doorbells. While a report to police can help with reimbursement from the places you ordered from, finding the culprit can be challenging if there is no proof of the theft other than the package being gone.

This is a time that should be filled with happiness and not by people that have little better to do with their time than ruin other people’s holidays.