Photo: Surveillance image

You've heard of bait cars. Now, Vancouver Police are using bait parcels to catch package thieves.

"The next parcel you steal may actually belong to the local police," Const. Jason Doucette told CTV News.

The VPD isn't saying how its anti-theft measures will work, but reminds the public that with Christmas deliveries arriving, thieves will be on the prowl.

"It only takes a minute for a thief to walk up and take a package," said Doucette. 

The move follows yet another parcel theft in South Vancouver on Friday.

Rob Dhaliwal received a phone alert that a UPS package had been delivered to his home, but when he got there, it was gone. Surveillance footage showed someone in a hooded sweater stealing it.

Police advise people to use a work address for deliveries if they won't be home, or have packages picked up by a trusted neighbour or relative.

– with files from CTV Vancouver