by Columbine in Crime
Posted on May 27, 2008 at 3:32 pm
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The specific instances I’ve heard about involve kids following DHL trucks in the Teele Square area, but it’s probably a good idea to have packages delivered to your workplace if possible in any case.
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Are there any documented cases of package theft? What are the statistics? What types of packages are being taken? Has anyone been caught for such a crime?
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I’ll see what I can track down.
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I emailed the cops – this is what I got back:
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Theft of packages that are left outside, unattended have long been a
problem everywhere. Although this does occur from time to time, I do
not recall this being a chronic problem. I happens from time to time
with a slight increase around Christmas time from residential areas.
Thieves usually expect that the packages contain Christmas gifts.
With the economy getting bad and gas prices increasing, I suggest that
you do whatever you can do to not allow packages to be left unattended.
I suggest that you make an arrangement with a neighboring business that
is usually open to accept your packages. I personally have had that
arrangement for some time and my usual UPS and USPS drivers know where
to leave packages addressed to me.
I hope that this information is helpful.
Capt. Paul Upton
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Thanks, Columbine! I would recommend updating your post with the information you collected from Captain Upton. Preferably write “Updated 5/28/08″ in bold below the exiting content of your post, followed by the new information you collected.
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Columbine, thanks for following up with the SPD.
It would be very helpful to quantify the problem of package theft, including the slight increase that Capt. Upton mentioned.
I’d like to hear what he meant to suggest by drawing a connection between the worsening economy + rising gas pricing and package theft. Has there been a significant increase in package thefts that can be correlated to economic trends or is this just his personal belief?
I know someone in Somerville living near Porter Square whose package of clothing was swiped before she returned home. Later, it ended up on her porch with tears in the fabric. She suspected whomever took it was looking for something that they didn’t find in there. Do others have anecdotes to share on this topic or about other crimes?
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Greg – great idea; will do as soon as I find the Edit function…
I personally use the UPS store for incoming packages. Someone *opened* a taped-shut outgoing freecycling package I left on my back porch, but apparently didn’t find the contents interesting and just left it there ripped open.
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