IT'S A WRAP: SHERIFF NABS PACKAGE THIEF IN EAST COUNTY

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By Miriam Raftery 

December 3, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A Grinch suspected of stealing holiday packages across East County is now in custody,  the Sheriff’s office reports.

The thief nabbed over a thousand dollars worth of packages in Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and unincorporated areas of El Cajon from November 21st until the thief was finally caught on December 3rd.

A homeowner’s surveillance video led to the arrest of 37-year-old Martha Lampley.  She  has been charged with burglary, as well as violating parole for possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia, and more charges are pending.

Search of a storage unit resulted in discovery of stolen packages and merchandise. Some of the packages were still clearly marked with the owners names.  Some items have been returned to the owners but others remain unclaimed.

If you've had a package stolen, call the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation (619) 337‐2000. You must bring proof of ownership such as a receipt, tracking or shipping information, insurance claim, crime report or be able to give a distinctive description of the item.

This is the busiest time of the year for holiday deliveries and package thieves are on the prowl, warns the Sheriff, who offers these crime prevention tips:

  • Choose a shipping option that allows you to sign for delivery. Request that friends and relatives sending you a package to do the same and ask for a tracking number.
  • Keep an eye on the package's delivery status. Sign up for e-mail or text alerts.
  • If you can’t be home to receive a package have it shipped to another location such as your office if you won't be home to receive it.
  • Leave special instructions on where to deliver packages (behind bushes, side or back patio).
  • Another options is to choose delivery pickup, such as at a UPS or FedEx location.
  • Insure your packages so that any loss can be replaced.
  • Get to know your carriers.
  • Be a good neighbor. Look out for each other.
  • Report suspicious activity or vehicles to the Sheriff's Department. Call (858) 565‐5200.
  • If your package is stolen, report the theft to the Sheriff's Department and the business where your order came from.

Thefts involving United States Postal Service mail or packages are handled by the

United States Postal Inspection Service because it is a federal crime. Report mail theft by calling (877) 876‐2455 or online at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/.

To avoid tipping off thieves  when you’re out of town and your home is vacant, you can ask the Post Office to hold your mail by visiting www.usps.com.

 


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