News Releases

Detectives Investigate Package Thefts in Germantown Committed by Same Suspect; Video of Suspect Released

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 13, 2018

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – 5th District Patrol Investigations Unit continue to investigate the theft of packages from the front porch of two homes located on Wheatridge Drive in Germantown.  Security cameras at both homes captured the same suspect committing the thefts.  Investigators believe it is likely that this suspect has committed additional thefts of packages in the area.

A summary of the two reported thefts committed by this suspect is as follows:

• December 4 at approximately 4:50 p.m. 17900 block of Wheatridge Drive. Suspect approached the front door, looked at delivered packages, and left. Suspect then returned to the home approximately 15 minutes later and took the three packages.

• December 4 at approximately 5:22 p.m. 18000 block of Wheatridge Drive. Suspect stole one package from the front porch of the home.  Suspect was seen leaving in a dark color four-door vehicle.

Investigators are asking that anyone who recognizes this suspect call the 5th District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6263. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

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Tips to Prevent Package Theft this Holiday Season

During the holiday season, many people will choose to purchase gifts online and have them delivered to their home.  This often means that there will be more packages on doorsteps and more opportunities for thieves to steal these deliveries. The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents of ways to ensure that packages are delivered to them safely and securely:

Choose A Delivery Address Wisely

• Choose to Have Package Delivered to An Attended Location
  
  
  • When you order something online, consider sending the package to a place where you know someone will be available to receive it – your workplace or a friend or neighbor’s home.

• Choose to Have Package Delivered to Carrier Location
  
  
  • Have your deliveries sent to the nearest shipping company center. Many shipping carriers will hold the package for up to five days.

• Choose In-Store Pick Up
  
  
  • Many retailers provide the option of purchasing an item online and picking it up at the nearest retail location.

Know When Your Package Will Be Delivered – Sign Up For Notification Services

• Many shipment companies offer services to help you track your deliveries by receiving text messages or an e-mail. You can then plan on being home at the time of delivery or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by the delivery location and retrieve the package.

• After receiving a notification alert and you determine that you won’t be home, many carriers allow you to re-route your shipment to another location or to the carrier’s facility for later pick-up.

Require A Signature

• Many shipping companies offer a service that requires a signature for a package to be released.

Provide Delivery Instructions

• Many carriers allow residents to provide instructions on where the deliveries should be placed at the home (side porch, garage door, etc.)

Insure Your Package

• Consider insuring your package. Contact your chosen mail carrier for coverage policies and requirements.

The Department urges residents who shop online to follow these guidelines to help ensure their packages arrive safely.

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Release ID: 18-536
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: theft