Laguna Police Play Santa's Helpers With Lost Amazon Packages

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach police got into the Santa spirit this week as they delivered lost Amazon packages to residents. Two containers fell from an Amazon delivery truck near Nyes Place, a steep and twisting residential street. Each cargo container held packages addressed to residents.

On Monday, Public Works employees learned of the lost boxes and reached out to Laguna Police for help on what to do about it, according to Lt. Jim Cota.

Monday's watch commander contacted Amazon about the wayward boxes. After a lengthy hold, Amazon representatives advised the police to "just donate the packages to charity."

Cota explained that the corporation "writes off" misdelivered items with an insurance claim and re-sends out the goods.

Instead of donating the items, as suggested by the mega-retailer, Laguna Beach Police Officers decided to play Santa, and return each to their rightful owner.

Officers and Laguna Beach City staffers divided and conquered, delivering the packages to the intended recipients, Cota said.

When the police knocked and shared the stories, residents were in disbelief. "You can see by their faces, they were ecstatic," Cota said.

Cheryl Heichemer was one of the lucky ones who got her delivery, courtesy of the Laguna Beach Police.

"Thank you so much for the personal touch delivery service I received," she shared over Facebook, Monday. "Much appreciated!"

Cota explained that in Laguna Beach, being a police officer is much more than law enforcement. "For us, it's about the people and the customer service that goes along with it."

There was no better way to share that message than by going the extra mile during the holidays.