For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Video: Groveland Police Investigating Attempted Mail Theft

Investigators Locate Stolen Mail, Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect

GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department is actively investigating after a man was caught on camera looking into a resident’s mailbox over the weekend.

Groveland Police were dispatched Saturday to the area of Main Street near the West Newbury town line after a concerned neighbor reported seeing a suspicious vehicle driving up and down Main Street.

Police have since obtained video of an attempted mail theft from a home on Main Street, and are actively investigating the incident. Nothing was reported stolen by the homeowner who provided the video.

However, as a result of the ongoing investigation, police did locate a bag of miscellaneous mail that is believed to have been stolen, and have identified a green Honda Accord as the suspect’s vehicle. Groveland Police are now asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect captured on surveillance footage.

“Our detectives are working with our law enforcement partners to identify this individual, and I ask any residents who may know him to contact us,” Chief Gillen said. “I also want to commend the observant neighbor who brought this to our attention, and encourage residents to take steps to protect their mail and packages from potential theft.”

Groveland Police are continuing to investigate in close coordination with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Derry Police Department in New Hampshire.

Chief Gillen and the Groveland Police Department want residents to be aware of this investigation and remain vigilant to ensure their property is protected. To best ensure that your packages are not taken, Groveland Police recommend the following strategies:

• Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
• Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
• Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
• Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
• Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling, so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
• Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
• If you find your package has been stolen, reach out to Groveland Police and report it immediately.
• Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.

Anyone who believes they have information about this investigation is asked to contact Groveland Police at 978-521-1212.

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