A 28-year-old Aurora man has been charged with two counts of felony theft after he was caught in an undercover operation targeting thieves stealing holiday packages delivered to front porches, police said.

Moses V. Williamson, of the 1100 block of South Fourth Street, is being held at the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles.

Authorities said he was arrested around noon Monday by Aurora police officers who were tailing him and saw him take packages off porches on the 100 block of North Root Street and the first block of South Fourth Street.

Williamson became a suspect when a resident spotted someone stealing packages Dec. 5 and took a photo of the person’s vehicle that showed the license plate, police said. Williamson was driving the same vehicle when he was arrested.

Police said they believe Williamson is connected to several thefts and their investigation is continuing.

Authorities say they’ve seen a jump in package thefts in recent weeks, mainly because of the large number of gifts being delivered to homes. They said they believe several thieves are operating in the city. Investigators have been helped by a growing number of residents who are taking pictures of suspicious people and their vehicles before calling 911.

Police recommend residents try to schedule deliveries at times when someone is home or to have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor.