All,

I am writing today to let you know of a crime trend that is occurring in Arlington and throughout Washington Metropolitan area. There have been reports of a number of thefts of packages from front porches after deliveries by UPS, Fed X or the US Postal Service. In some areas, it appears that criminals are following the delivery truck and wait to ensure no one is home to receive the package. They then walk up and take the package.

Please take extra precaution when deliveries are expected. If possible, arrange to be home to accept packages when they are delivered. If you cannot be available, there are several other options. You may require a signature before the delivery company can leave a package. Packages would be held at the delivery warehouse for future deliveries if no one was available for signature. You may have them delivered to your work address or to a neighbor’s house, or you may have them shipped to a drop off store for you to pick them up.

If you notice unknown or suspicious people in your neighborhood, please contact the police via the non-emergency phone number (703-558-2222) and report the suspicious person or activity. If there is a car associated with any of these people, please take note of the make, size, color and license plate if possible. Although we may not catch anyone committing a crime at the time, this information may prove to be good from an investigative stand point.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via phone or email.


Captain Brian Gough
Arlington County Police
Second District Commander
[EMAIL]Bgough @arlingtonva.us[/EMAIL]
703-228-4327