Full Notification

Over the past few weeks, the Arcadia Police Department has seen an increased number of package thefts from residential front porches.  This is not all that uncommon this time of year due to online holiday shopping and an increased number of package deliveries.

On Friday, December 12, 2014, Arcadia Officers responded to a call of a suspicious person seen on the front porch of a residence.  Officers were able to locate the subject and determined that he had opened a recently delivered package on the front porch, but left the package and its contents behind.  Through their investigation the officers determined that this subject had stolen property in his possession from several other recent package thefts.  The subject was arrested for the thefts and an outstanding felony warrant.

This is yet another example of how our “See Something, Say Something” program works.  If you see something suspicious, please call us.  In this case the resident called and we were able to locate and arrest the suspect. 

We offer the following suggestions to help prevent a theft of your packages:

·         Use your workplace as the shipping address.

·         Track your shipments by phone or on-line so you know what day they should arrive.

·         Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.

·         Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area. See Something, Say Something!

·         Request a signature delivery option, if available.

·         Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office.

·         Utilize a ”mailbox” business in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee.

·         If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

These tips are good year round, not just at holiday time!