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Reading Police Seek Public's Help to Identify Suspected "Porch Pirate" in Amazon Disguise

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Published on January 03, 2025
Reading Police Seek Public's Help to Identify Suspected "Porch Pirate" in Amazon DisguiseSource: Facebook/Reading Massachusetts Police Department

In an unusual incident in Reading, Massachusetts, the local police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an individual who posed as an Amazon delivery driver to commit a theft. The suspect, captured on a home security camera, is accused of swiping a package mere moments after a legitimate delivery by FedEx. The stolen package notably contained an iPhone before being concealed inside an Amazon box by the suspect, presumably to avoid suspicion during their getaway.

The authorities have released images of the suspect and the vehicle involved, which is described as a grey 2019 Nissan Sentra, to the community. In a post shared on the Reading Police Department's official Facebook page, the police have implored anyone with information to come forward and contact the Reading Police at 781-944-1212. Donning the disguise of an Amazon employee, the suspect appears to have meticulously planned the theft, aware that the package would be left unattended.

This latest case of package theft represents a growing problem in urban and suburban communities, where residents frequently find themselves at the mercy of so-called "porch pirates." These thefts amount to a significant disruption to the trust and convenience that home delivery services propose to offer. In light of these incidents, the Reading Police Department has advised residents to consider solutions like requiring a signature upon package delivery or using a secure drop box to minimize the risk of theft.