The Arlington County Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit arrested a suspect in a package theft series. A 36-year-old man of Springfield, VA, was arrested and charged with Possession of Burglarious Tools and Petit Larceny (x4). Additional charges are anticipated. He is being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility on a secure bond.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Jan. 3, a patrol officer observed an unoccupied vehicle with no license plates parked the 300 block of 23rd Street S. The vehicle matched the description of a vehicle associated with a package theft reported to the officer on Dec. 27, 2020. A short time later, the officer observed the suspect return to the vehicle with a bag concealing alleged stolen packages. The suspect drove a short distance and was detained by officers as he exited the vehicle. During the execution of a subsequent search warrant on the vehicle, additional packages were located. Detectives are working to identify and notify victims.

Package thefts are often crimes of opportunity with suspects targeting items left unattended or out in plain view. While these crimes are often associated with the holiday season, they can happen at any time. The Arlington County Police Department encourages online shoppers to think ahead about delivery options and follow the below safety tips to help reduce the opportunity for package theft:

• Schedule packages to arrive when you are home and track their progress during shipment
• Bring packages inside as soon as possible after delivery
• Have someone you trust accept the package if you will not be home during delivery
• Require signature on delivery
• Utilize other delivery options such as lockers or in-store pick up
• Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation

Report Package Thefts to Police

If you have been the victim of a package theft in Arlington County, report to police using the online crime report.