Cambridge Police Encourage Residents to Be Aware of Porch Pirates and to Protect Their Packages This Holiday Season

In advance of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday shopping season, the Cambridge Police Department once again expects reports of package thefts to increase over the coming weeks, particularly with more residents doing their shopping online.

As outlined in CPD’s October BridgeStat monthly crime report, the majority of reported package thefts in Cambridge in 2022 have taken place in the lower half of the city. Through October 2022, The Port neighborhood has experienced the most reported thefts with 34 incidents, followed by Cambridgeport with 30, and the Mid-Cambridge neighborhood with 24. The number of stolen packages reported to the police is estimated to be much lower than the actual number, as package thefts are historically underreported.

CPD wants to remind residents to follow these tips to help protect themselves and their packages:

• Track your packages online, so you have a better idea when it is scheduled to arrive, and/or sign up for delivery alert notifications.
• Request that your packages arrive when/if you plan on being home or request that they are placed in a secure location outside your home.
• If you do need to travel, place a hold on your package until you return to keep your parcel safe.
• Have your packages delivered to your work address in the event that you are not able to be home.
• Consider utilizing "store pickups" or “hub lockers” and pick up your items at your convenience.
• Consider installing a security camera or utilizing lockboxes that provide access codes to delivery companies.
• If you have experienced this type of activity, report it to the Cambridge Police Department by calling 617-349-3300 even if you have reported it to the Postal Service or a delivery company.
• Anyone who sees any suspicious activity, such as a possible suspect trailing a delivery truck route, is strongly encouraged to contact 911 in an emergency or 617-349-3300 for a non-emergency.

The timely reporting of the package thefts featured in the two attached videos helped the Cambridge Police investigate and charge two defendants for Larceny Under $1,200 after recent thefts took place in the Cambridgeport and Inman-Harrington neighborhoods.

Using a data driven-approach, officers will be increasing their patrols in the locations and during the times in which a higher volume of thefts have been reported. If you ever have a package stolen from you, please ensure all crimes are reported.