How are thieves stealing packages in Philadelphia?

Thieves are reportedly swiping packages directly from porches, sometimes following delivery trucks and stealing items before they can be brought inside.

What is being done to catch package thieves in Philadelphia?

Police are planning to use bait packages with GPS trackers to catch thieves in the act and are investigating ongoing cases.

What precautions can I take against package theft in Philadelphia?

You can schedule deliveries for when you're home, use store pickup, or install a camera system like a doorbell camera.

Home / Crime and Justice / Holiday Package Thieves Strike Philadelphia Neighborhood

Holiday Package Thieves Strike Philadelphia Neighborhood

27 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Residents report package thefts on Cambridge Street as holiday season nears.
Thieves follow delivery trucks, stealing packages before they reach homes.
Police plan to use bait packages with GPS trackers to catch thieves.

Holiday Package Thieves Strike Philadelphia Neighborhood

Package thefts have become a significant concern for residents on Cambridge Street in Philadelphia's Fairmount section. Neighbors report seeing individuals stealing packages directly from porches, often ripping them open and leaving the discarded packaging behind. One resident noted thieves frequently follow delivery trucks, preventing packages from ever reaching their intended recipients, even citing the theft of a computer monitor still in its Amazon packaging.

With the busy holiday shopping season on the horizon, both consumers and law enforcement are bracing for a potential surge in these incidents. Police departments, like the one in Gloucester Township, are already investigating past cases and anticipate more. This trend is particularly worrying as more online orders are placed, leading to increased vulnerability for delivered goods.