Quincy police target shoplifters and package thieves - The Boston Globe


Quincy police target shoplifters and package thieves - The Boston Globe

The task force, established in October, was designed to combat a spike in incidents of shoplifting and package theft, according to police.

"They were really able to peel back the onion," Quincy Sergeant Patrick Faherty said in an interview. "They found certain trends in the items that were being stolen and where they were stolen from."

Quincy Police Chief Mark P. Kennedy wrote that the Quincy police department's efforts have helped to "curtail retail theft" and "sends the message that retail theft will not be taken lightly in the city of Quincy."

Police highlighted several cases in the release posted online this month.

A man and woman from Fall River were arrested and and at least one was arraigned Dec. 27 for renting a U-Haul van and stealing packages from a Quincy neighborhood, according to police.

"In that case, you had individuals coming from other communities to steal," Faherty said.

Police identified another incident where a food delivery driver stole packages while delivering food.

A third case involved a suspect who followed a FedEx truck in December, according to Faherty. The individual was connected to a cellphone theft ring believed to be a part of a larger criminal enterprise. The case is still open, according to police.

Another case involved the arrest of a "known West Quincy felon" who broke into a West Quincy home and stole packages, according to police. Faherty said that the individual in this case had their bail revoked. The felon was arrested by Braintree police on multiple charges for failing to stop for a police officer on Jan. 4.

"In their investigations they discovered how organized package theft can be," Faherty said.

Last year, Quincy police determined shoplifting and package theft to be top priorities among the city's criminal activity.

In response, the Quincy Police Department Shoplifting and Package Theft Task Force was established, and a sergeant and two officers were assigned to deal with solely crimes involving shoplifting or package theft.

"We'd seen an uptick in shoplifting calls made in North Quincy," Faherty said.

Police attributed the task force's efficiency to its relationship with Quincy courts and local retail partners.

"The department has been proactive," Faherty said. "There is relentless follow up with repeat offenders."

Officers assigned to the task force only tackle cases involving shoplifting or package theft, making them better equipped to pursue criminal complaints against offenders, according to Faherty.

Previous articleNext article

POPULAR CATEGORY

corporate

10747

tech

11464

entertainment

13202

research

6025

misc

14044

wellness

10700

athletics

14060