Porch Thief Caught on Video NR20082ml

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles
Police Department Wilshire Theft Detectives are reminding
citizens about the presence of parcel thefts during the outbreak
of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday April 11, 2020, a delivery truck making
deliveries in the Melrose district is followed by an unknown
suspect who removes the parcels after the driver leaves.

The vehicle is described as a late 1990’s
Mercury Mountaineer with no or unknown plates and the suspect seen
on the video is described as a male White or Hispanic 5′-10″ in
height 200 to 220 pounds in weight and between 30 to 40 years of
age.

During subsequent interviews with delivery personnel it was
discovered that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, drivers have been
encouraged and or instructed not to touch door knobs, gate latches
or any surface that could be frequently touched by another person.
The packages are placed near the side walk making it easier for the
suspects to approach and remove the package.

LAPD Detectives would like to remind employees of delivery
companies to be aware of their surroundings. If one thinks they’re
being followed, divert your route to confirm a vehicle is indeed
following the delivery truck then notify the Police.

For community members, LAPD Detectives encourage alternate delivery
locations that are more secure (such as picking up the package from
the post office), delivering to your place of employment or
installing a secure delivery box that can secure the delivered
package.

Anyone with information is urged to call Wilshire Theft Detective
Edward Griffin at (213) 922-8251. During non-business hours, or on
weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the
LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go
directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an onlinetip. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.