Middlesex Boro Police Report Spike In Package Thefts

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, NJ — What is going on with the package thefts this holiday season? Middlesex borough police announced Thursday they've seen a "considerable spike" in package thefts, also known as "porch pirating," this 2018 Christmas/Hanukkah season. This comes on the heels of two different Amazon delivery drivers accused of stealing packages in New Jersey.

“In our area we have seen a considerable spike in thefts of packages from doorsteps and thefts from vehicles," said Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist. “We are reminding our residents to be extra careful and extra vigilant.”

This Amazon delivery worker was accused of stealing packages in Metuchen and Keansburg. William Tindall, 25, of Jersey City was arrested this past Saturday, Dec. 15. He is facing two charges of theft in Metuchen, and in Keansburg.

In Keansburg, a woman said she several packages delivered throughout the day that had been stolen and provided video footage documenting the events. Her doorbell camera video shows an Amazon delivery person place a package on the porch and return to his vehicle. A few moments later, the diver exits and approaches the residence again. He then removes several other packages delivered earlier in the day from UPS and USPS from the porch, places them in his vehicle and drives away.

A Keansburg DPW worker then found the woman's items in several opened packages in a garbage can and called police.

The alleged package thefts by Amazon drivers doesn't stop there: An Amazon delivery driver was arrested just yesterday (Wednesday) and charged with stealing packages in Chatham Township. Read that story for details: Amazon Delivery Driver Stole Packages In Morris Co. Towns: Cops

Have packages delivered when someone is at home, or delivered to your place of work or to a trusted neighbor. “Middlesex is a tight-knit community and that accounts for much of its charm," said Chief Geist. "We ask residents to not only look out for themselves, but to look out for their neighbors, as well."

Related Stories:

• Alleged Package Thief Arrested: Millburn Police
• Pair Of Package Thefts From Morris Apartments
• Package Stolen From Short Hills Home
• Pair Of Packages Pilfered From Church Street

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