Mahoning Valley - Residents in Hubbard have recently reported incidents of car thefts and break-ins. 

The city's police chief Robert Thompson, stated that an increase in these types of offenses during the holidays is likely.

"A lot of times it's the holidays, a lot of times it's just opportunities. But typically you'll see an uptick around the holiday season," Thompson said.

The chief told 21 news that most of the cars that were broken into were left unlocked at the time of the offense. He said it's important for people to make sure their doors are locked and their valuables are out of plain sight to avoid tempting criminals. 

"Usually in more quiet communities people take [safety] for granted and leave things in their cars. They leave valuables in their cars. They don't lock their cars up. So it's important, no matter where you are at to keep your car locked at all times. [Keep the] lights on outside and keep your driveway lit up," Thompson said. 

But thieves aren't just taking advantage of unlocked cars, unattended packages on your doorstep are also at risk. Thompson has some advice on how to keep those packages safe. 

" [People] should contact relatives, friends, neighbors[...] so they can to watch over the house if [you] know [you're] getting a delivery. To make sure that somebody's around to pick that up as soon as it's dropped off," Thompson said. 

And for added security, experts are recommending people to choose a specific delivery date, install security cameras, or use a delivery pick-up program like the one the Bazetta Fire Department has.

Staying vigilant can keep your holidays merry and theft-free.

"Typically, when you see a rash of break-ins like this, they'll go from one community to another. So the advice is not just for our residents, but everybody in [the] area [should] keep their doors locked, keep their lights on, and be vigilant," Thompson told 21 News.