Ashburn Package Theft: Tips to Thwart Potential Thieves

An Ashburn resident reportedly observed an unknown male suspect remove a delivered parcel package from the resident’s home Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred at the 21500 block of Field Station Terrace around 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12 in Ashburn.

The suspect is described as 5’8” with a thin build and medium-length brown hair. He reportedly left the scene in a blue hatchback-style vehicle.

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When handling package deliveries during the holidays, keep in mind these tips from Consumer Reports:

• Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery.
• Check on the package’s delivery status online so you can try to be home when it arrives.
• Leave a note asking the delivery service to leave the package with a neighbor.
• Have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it, like your office or a friend’s home.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pickup.
• File a theft report immediately if you think your package was stolen, and contact your credit card company to find out if it offers a purchase-protection service that might reimburse you for stolen purchases.

If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company to confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and the Loudoun county Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.

Many of these crimes occur during broad daylight. As always, be alert about suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, especially if you see a delivery truck making rounds followed by a vehicle or unfamiliar subjects on foot. Report this type of suspicious activity to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office or call 9-1-1 if you observe a crime in progress.

Write down as much descriptive information as you can about the type of vehicle, color, make/model and license plate information. If possible, provide descriptive information about the person or persons in the vehicle including age, hair color, clothing description and color. Include distinguishing features such as facial hair, tattoos, height, or anything else you think may help deputies identify the suspect(s).

How do you protect your packages during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments section below.