In a bid to curb the rising menace of package theft in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood, the B-3 Anti-Crime Unit arrested two suspects on Tuesday, April 30, at around 9:20 PM. Mark Graham, 57, and Manee Ruiz, 49, were apprehended at the intersection of Washington St. and Morse St., a hot spot for recent thefts, as reported by the Boston Police Department.

The duo caught law enforcement's attention as they matched the descriptions of individuals linked to the crime spree. During a routine patrol, officers encountered Mr. Graham, who fitted the profile of a suspect previously involved in package thefts and was accompanied by Ms. Ruiz. After a brief interrogation, the police confirmed their involvement in the thefts and took them into custody. It was later discovered that Ms. Ruiz had two active warrants out for her arrest.

Upon searching the suspects, officers found several stolen items, cementing the suspects' connection to the package theft incidents in the area. Mr. Graham is now faced with charges including Larceny from a Building, Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of Burglarious Tools. Ms. Ruiz, already wanted on warrants from Boston Municipal Court for Larceny and from Cambridge District Court for Shoplifting, 3rd Offense, was additionally charged. Both are to stand before a judge for arraignment at the Dorchester District Court.

Community members had voiced their frustrations with the uptick in package thefts, prompting increased surveillance and subsequent arrests. As neighborhoods grapple with this brand of property crime, the recent apprehensions offer a respite to the residents of Mattapan, hoping to deter would-be thieves from targeting their doorsteps. The suspects are currently awaiting their day in court, as the community watches on, wary but somewhat relieved.