Chief Friel: Watch package thefts

Also, statewide ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ now through Jan. 1

Postal workers, like Chuck Foley, have been hard at work delivering packages during the holiday season. (THG/Joseph F. Berenato. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.)

HAMMONTON—Local residents are reminded that they should make sure packages left at their residences are secured, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said.

“We are not seeing an uptick in package theft, but the temptation is always there, so we eliminate the temptation any way we can,” Friel said.

Friel said there are ways to avoid having a package stolen.

“There are secure drop boxes that you can put on your front porch. You can ask a neighbor to pick up the package for you,” he said.

The chief also commented on holiday driving while under the influence (DWI) enforcement, reminding motorists of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

“We started last weekend. The program is running from December 4 to January 1 and it is a state-funded DWI patrol. There will be extra patrols statewide by law enforcement. This is a reminder that people are operating their vehicle unimpaired by alcohol or drugs and that we’re out there to enforce and keep our roadways safe,” Friel said on December 14.