Long Beach
Police Department

As the holiday season approaches, Long Beach Police Department would like to encourage residents to use precautionary measures when anticipating delivery of mail-ordered or cyber-ordered items.

Several Long Beach residents throughout the city have reported packages stolen from their front porches. The East Patrol Division is the predominant area, especially in the Park Estates, Belmont Park, and Belmont Heights neighborhoods.

Suspects have been known to follow delivery trucks or park outside of anticipated delivery locations. Witnesses reported seeing suspects flee in vehicles and on rollerblades and bikes.

On October 30, 2014, 29-year-old Michael Ray Lancaster of Long Beach, was arrested for his involvement in a related incident in the 300 block of Covina Avenue. He was booked into Long Beach City Jail for receiving known stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. He posted bail and was released from custody. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Long Beach Police Department would like to remind everyone to report suspicious activity immediately by calling police dispatch at 9-1-1 or (562) 435-6711, and to practice the following safety tips:

• Ship items to a location where they will be personally received
• Request carriers ship items to their local store or distribution center to be held for pick up
• Advise your post office when you will be out of town so they can hold your deliveries until your return
• Track the progress of your anticipated delivery and if you don’t receive it as expected, contact the issuing company/vendor
• Request signature proof of delivery
• Get to know your carriers. Typically it’s the same person on ‘your route’
• Ask a trusted neighbor to collect & hold the item rather than leaving it in a common area
• Remove valuables and holiday packages from your vehicle. Don’t use your vehicle or unsecured area as storage