Whitman Police have apprehended a man linked to a spree of package thefts in a local apartment complex. According to a report from the town's official website, 41-year-old Colin Mackie of Whitman was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including Breaking and Entering a Building During the Nighttime with Intent to Commit a Felony and Larceny From a Building.
Starting in early September and stretching into December, there were numerous reports of stolen packages from a Marble Street apartment complex. The investigation, which led up to Mackie's arrest, saw detectives combing through surveillance footage. After weeks of diligent work, they linked the thefts to the same individual, having occurred on at least eight different instances.
In a carefully planned operation yesterday, detectives planted a "bait" package in the complex's mail area, observing to see if it would indeed be snatched. Mackie was allegedly caught in the act of stealing three packages at around 5:15 a.m., one of which was the bait that appeared as a laptop box, as detailed by the Town of Whitman. "I would like to commend Whitman Police Detective Sgt. Patrick Burtt-Henderson for his hard work and dedication in bringing this investigation to a conclusion," Chief Timothy Hanlon stated. "His thorough investigation spanned multiple weeks and discovered thefts that occurred over a four-month period. His efforts reflect the integrity and professionalism the Whitman Police Department strives for."
Mackie, who was taken into custody while still inside the building, led police to recover evidence consistent with the previous thefts. It is expected that more charges will be laid upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. He was arraigned Wednesday in the Brockton District Court. Chief Hanlon’s statement was obtained directly from the Whitman's official release.
The Whitman Police Department encourages anyone who believes they might have been a victim of package theft to get in touch by calling 781-447-1212. While Colin Mackie faces serious allegations, it must be stressed that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
