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.

To combat this growing problem, authorities are deploying preventative measures, including the use of bait packages equipped with GPS trackers. Residents are also advised to take precautions such as scheduling deliveries for times they will be home, opting for store pickup, or investing in home security, including doorbell cameras. Even small package thefts are urged to be reported, as this information can help connect to broader theft patterns in the area.