BELFAST — Belfast Police have issued a reminder to residents to keep the doors to vehicles, homes and outbuildings locked after receiving several complaints of suspicious activity, according to the department’s Facebook page.

One Belfast family had their 2001 Yamaha Big Bear 400 four-wheeler that was secured in their garage stolen while they slept in the early hours of Dec. 4. 

In addition to securing their property, police are asking anyone who sees anything suspicious report the incident immediately.

“We would rather respond to something that is innocent [than] be behind the proverbial eightball the next morning when it is realized something criminal did occur,” they wrote.

Belfast Police are also advising the public not to leave packages unattended on porches, noting that with online shopping it is common but risky, to have packages delivered to your home when no one is there.

The recommend having packages delivered to a neighbor or friend if they will be home and can safely hold on to them and installing security cameras.

“Have cameras set up as these will both help deter theft and assist investigations should something go missing.”

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com