Crime & Safety

GRINCHED: Town Sees Rise in Package Theft

Thieves are brazenly stealing packages from people's front steps.

The season of giving is also the season of stealing. And this year, crime may be coming right to your doorstep -- literally.

The has reported a spike in package thefts this holiday season. Packages being delivered and left in mailboxes and on front steps are being swiped by thieves in broad daylight.

"The past couple of weeks its really become a real problem," Detective Dan Cronin said. "At least 20 different incidents have been reported to us, but I know there are a lot more reported to the Post Office, UPS and FedEx."

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Friday alone there were multiple reports of package thefts. Items stolen have ranged from clothes to electronics.

The targeted areas have been the more rural areas of town with minimum traffic.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's all out country, where the houses are pretty spread out and away from the street," Cronin said.

If you're having a package delivered, Cronin suggests taking extra precautions, such as requesting the package only be left with a person who signs for it or arranging to have it dropped off to a neighbor.

He also suggests being vigilant and reporting and suspicious activity to police. There will be a Neighborhood Watch meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the issue further.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.