Police are looking for a serial package thief in an Oakland neighborhood.
At least one of the suspects was caught on surveillance camera.
And now, neighbors say they’ve had enough. On Wednesday, KRON4 spoke to some of them.
This has really become a serious problem for a lot of the residents in the neighborhood. Some have resorted to getting their packages delivered elsewhere because they are expecting really important items like medication.
Surveillance video shows a woman boldly walking onto this homeowner’s porch and taking off with what looks like at least three packages.
Residents in Oakland’s Maxwell Park neighborhood say the issue has gotten out of control.
“I have had medication delivered to me also that was stolen,” package thief victim Jasper Mather said. “Some of these things are very time sensitive. Or I’ve also had a gift stolen that was a gift for someone’s birthday, and I couldn’t get it to them on time.”
“I feel sad by what I saw,” resident Ann Magovern added. “I know no one wants things taken from their porch. I also love this neighborhood. I love this community. I love Oakland. So, I guess we wish we had a better sense of community. We wouldn’t do that to one another.”
One victim says had the thieves come a day later, they would have stolen her chemotherapy medication.
“So, from now on, because I’ve had so many packages stolen, I actually have everything delivered to Walgreens on High Street,” Mather said. “And sometimes, I have to wait in line for an hour just to get this package for things that I need at specific times or things that are valuable and irreplaceable like gifts from family members. And I just don’t think that residents should have to resort to it.”
“I imagine the person who did that didn’t know if something was valuable to that person,” Magovern added. “Maybe they would have thought twice about it or more seriously about it.”
But the suspects appear to be bold in their pursuit. In several cases, they steal the packages in broad daylight, not knowing or caring whether they are being captured on surveillance cameras.
And in one video, the suspect is walking around with trash bags full of what’s likely other people’s belongings.
And in at least two cases, a red Honda sedan is the getaway car, license plate ending in 415.
Neighbors say these thefts took place in June and July.
If you recognize the suspects or the vehicle in the video, you can leave an anonymous tip with Oakland police.