package theft

Package Theft Season About to Go into Overdrive So Do What You Gotta Do

By Prince Of Petworth

A few recent emails:

“I’m missing a package that says delivered. I was home and sure the mailman put it at the wrong door. Can we remind neighbors this holiday season to have a heart. If it’s delivered a street over just throw it on the right porch. mine is only worth 23 bucks but it’s a hassle.”

“Columbia Heights / Mount Pleasant Package Thief

No matter how small, please report package thefts to the police. I caught this individual trying to gain access to our building after successfully stealing packages the previous night. He had the nerve to show up in the exact same clothing. The police said they couldn’t do anything because a previous report hadn’t been made. They said the can only arrest on a second-sighting.” (more…)

“From the looks of his bag (and the other packages in it), he had been visiting several other porches, as well.”

By Prince Of Petworth

180820 - 1400 Block Corcoran NW Stolen Package Video 1

“Dear PoPville,

Passing along video/screenshot of thief stealing two packages from my front porch in Logan Circle yesterday. From the looks of his bag (and the other packages in it), he had been visiting several other porches, as well.

Hoping you might consider posting the photo and general location in order to put others on notice/to be aware.”

“I can’t believe the complete stupidity in this case.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I have to say irony is fairly entertaining. I recently recorded an individual casing our property for a possible future break in. I emailed the video the police and they recommended a sign to try to help deter an future theft. I ordered the sign on amazon along with a ten dollar motion light. When it got delivered Sunday, it appears my neighbors were the culprit(s). (more…)

“If you live in Capitol Hill and happened to have a package stolen Saturday afternoon, this might be your guy.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Captured a video of someone walking down the street with a bag full of goodies already, stopping in our yard to help himself to another package the UPS delivery guy stashed in the bushes. If anyone recognizes this guy please contact MPD where there’s a report already on file for him. (Oh and if you live in Capitol Hill and happened to have a package stolen Saturday afternoon, this might be your guy.)

Cops said they recognize him but haven’t been able to catch him in the act yet. He’s been known to become violent when approached, so call 911 if you see him rather than confronting. (more…)

“who is legally liable for stolen packages?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

As we approach prime package theft season, I was hoping someone could provide me information on who is legally liable for stolen packages? I’m assuming most packages are the responsibility of the shipper / shipping company for most of the shipping process, but at what point does the liability fall to the ultimate recipient of the package? Often UPS/USPS/FedEx leaves packages either outside of my building or in our easily accessible lobby, even though we’ve asked them to please deliver to unit doors or to use special package boxes to minimize theft. Any info would be appreciated!”

“As a Prime member, get your Amazon packages securely delivered just inside your front door”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Amazon

Thanks to David for passing on an update on Amazon’s delivery plans from CNN:

“The service is called Amazon Key and launches November 8 for Prime members.

You buy a kit that includes an Amazon security camera, the Cloud Cam, and a compatible smart lock. The kit starts at $249.99.”

Amazon’s website says:

“As a Prime member, get your Amazon packages securely delivered just inside your front door. Plus, grant access to the people you trust, like your family, friends, dog walker, or house cleaner – no more leaving a key under the mat.

Amazon Key is exclusively for Prime members in select cities and surrounding areas. [including Washington, DC metro area] To get started, purchase the Amazon Key In-Home Kit, starting at $249.99. The kit includes: the Amazon Cloud Cam (Key Edition) indoor security camera and a compatible smart lock from Kwikset or Yale.”

“Active Capital Hill Package Thefts with an Arrest” Recognize Any of These Items?

By Prince Of Petworth

From MPD Tuesday night:

“Today members of the First District Crime Suppression Team were on patrol early in the day on the look-out for package thieves in the Capitol Hill-East area and observed several suspicious acts.

At approximately 1108 AM, one officer encountered two men that seemed to be working together in the 400 block of 11th Street NE. The officer saw the two men walking through the block appearing to look into cars and he set up nearby to observe them for actual criminal behavior beyond the merely suspicious.

One of the two men then walked up to the building at 410 11th Street NE and sit down beside a large package. When the man opened the package, the lookout noticed the officer and the men fled in different directions. The package that was opened was left behind.

When fleeing the man discarded a hedge trimmer that he had either just stolen or had been carrying to reduce the suspicious nature of his behavior approaching homes. He also discarded a backpack containing a large silver foil “Prepared Meal Service” package such as SunBasket, HelloFresh, or BlueApron might send. Officers were unable to determine from which home he had stolen that meal service delivery. (more…)

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