COPCP is urging residents throughout City Line and Ozone Park to file a police report every time a package is stolen.
We continue to see residents post clear photographs and security footage of package thieves, sometimes showing the same individuals moving throughout the neighborhood. These posts may warn others, but they do not create a criminal complaint. Without a police report, detectives may be unable to connect cases, establish a pattern, or take action when the person responsible is located.
COPCP has previously located suspected package thieves walking through the community and followed them from a safe distance to help prevent additional thefts. However, locating a suspect does not automatically mean an arrest can be made. Police need victims to officially report the theft.
There are 3 ways to file a police report:
• Call 911 and have officers respond to your home. If the theft happened earlier and is no longer in progress, be prepared to wait while officers handle higher priority calls.
• Visit your local NYPD precinct and file the report in person.
• File a report online at https://nypdonline.org/link/1017
Save all security footage, delivery confirmations, tracking information, receipts, and photographs. Provide police with every piece of evidence available.
Even if the stolen item was inexpensive, the report still matters. Multiple reports can help detectives connect the same person to several thefts and build a case.
If you are asking the community to look out for a package thief, file the police report first. Otherwise, when that person is found, there is very little anyone can do.