PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Patricia Anderson says a real life grinch snatched all of the presents under her Christmas tree and ransacked her home.
Police said a burglar broke into her northeast Portland home sometime overnight Thursday. Anderson returned from a friend's house Friday and discovered the thief made off with the presents, her grandson's PlayStation and $200 in cash she kept in her bedroom.
"It just scares me," said Anderson. "I feel unsafe."
Anderson said the gifts were for her grandchildren and were worth about $500.
Investigators believe the burglar entered her house through a sliding window in a back room.
Police are investigating the break-in and have not made any arrests.
Meanwhile, Tigard police say there is an increase in so-called "package chasers." People are stealing packages left on doorsteps by delivery workers.
"Holiday time can also invite crime! Word on the streets that county-wide we're seeing an uptick of 'package-chasers,' meaning thieves are watching for deliveries (FedExs, UPS, etc.) and stealing items left outside the door of intended recipient," read a post on the Tigard Police Department's Facebook page. "Report any suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhood. The non-emergency dispatch telephone number is 503-629-01111 for Tigard and all of Washington County."
Portland police released the following tips to safeguard your packages:
-If you believe that the delivery will arrive while you are at work, have the package delivered to your worksite/office, if allowed or practical.
-Have the package delivered to a trusted relative, friend or neighbor that you know will be home.
-Track the shipping and routing of the package. This is available and provided by most shippers and the US Postal Service. Contact the shipper, if there is a delay in receiving the package as scheduled.
-Arrange for the packages to be signed for.
-If you don't have a choice, provide instructions about where deliveries should be left, in a less visible location.
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