LAPD: Stay Alert for Thefts During the Holidays, Even Package Deliveries

Senior Lead Officer Michael Lewis of the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Division circulated this note in light of a recent stolen package from a residence, and provides a suspect description.

During the holidays I usually see an increase in thefts. They can occur from just about anywhere. I see lots of reports of purses, wallets, laptops and cellphones that are taken from victim’s usually after they take their eyes off their property, often while they are in public places. Supermarkets and businesses have trouble with petty thefts occurring inside their stores. And every year around now I start seeing reports of packages that are stolen from the doorsteps of residents after being dropped off by a delivery service.

On Nov. 14 in the 3800 block of Vantage a delivery service (Fed-Ex) dropped off a package and left it on the victim’s doorstep. A few minutes later it was gone.

There is no doubt that there are individuals following delivery trucks throughout Studio City and watching them place packages on your doorstep. In the case above a suspect was seen.

He is described as a black man, 150 pounds and approximately 20 years of age. After taking the package he was seen running and entering a four-door black vehicle, unknown make and model. They know around the holidays people are buying high tech electronics, phones, gaming systems….etc.

Please be careful this holiday season. Don’t keep property inside your cars and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re shopping don’t leave your purse in your shopping cart as you walk down the aisle to grab other items. All suspects need are a few moments when somebody is not paying attention. Don’t give them that.

Be safe and remember to keep your eyes and ears on your neighbors.

Till next time.

Michael Lewis
Senior Lead Officer Studio City
31575@lapd.lacity.org