ALLENTOWN (AP) — Home surveillance cameras appear to be making a difference in the battle against “porch pirates” — people who steal packages off stoops and porches during the holiday season.

An East Allentown woman tells The Morning Call that she had a small camera installed above her door and has had packages sit outside for hours without a problem.

Contrast that with a rooming house in Bethlehem without a camera where the newspaper reports 13 packages have been reported stolen this month. Some contained expensive items like jewelry.

Police say the cameras make a difference in fighting what they described as major increases in package thefts during the holiday season.

They say other solutions include seeking the help of neighbors or using mail drop-off services.