we have two surveillance teams on packages that are placed at people s doorsteps. the chances of one of them being stolen is possible. lieutenant reiner says it s all too easy for thieves to snatch up these packages. this is, you know, a prime example of how easy it is to commit one of these thefts. the package is clearly visible from the road on a high-traveled street. so far his department has recovered more than 100 items this season that they hope to return to their rightful owners. what do we have here? blender? makeup, sneakers. we have some higher-end items. packages have already been returned, but a lot of people are still missing their gifts. we all have families and want to put smiles on our children s faces christmas morning, and just to find out an individual stole a package is really, you know, it s heartbreaking. so the police didn t catch
are you seeing more packages being stolen this year? absolutely. i think it s becoming quite the epidemic. reporter: one survey found 23 million americans have had a package stolen. in this holiday season, maybe the biggest heist yet, with more than 1 billion packages being delivered as more people do their shopping online. that one as well. we re going to be running two teams, make sure everybody is vested up. reporter: this police unit is trying to catch package thieves in the act. you have a flat screen tv? what s made to look like a blue ray player. someone trying to steal this, they ll be pretty disappointed. absolutely. there s nothing in here. as you see someone trying to steal this, you ll jump out and arrest them? correct. we have two surveillance teams on packages that are placed at people s doorsteps. the chances of one of them being stolen is possible. reporter: lieutenant reiner says it s too easy for thieves