Packages Stolen In Wheaton, Police Seek Suspect [PHOTOS]

WHEATON, MD — Detectives in Montgomery County are asking for the public's help identifying a woman suspected of stealing packages from the front door and porch areas of three homes in the Wheaton-Glenmont area.

Police allege the packages were stolen by the woman pictured below. She may be driving a dark colored Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV.

The thefts occurred as follows:

• July 24 at approximately 6:00 p.m. – 3900 block of Isbell Street
• July 31 at approximately 5:24 p.m. – 3500 block of May Street
• August 26 at approximately 4:37 p.m. – 1400 block of Billman Lane

Anyone with information regarding this suspect is asked to call the 4th District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-5476. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents of ways to ensure that packages are delivered to them safely and securely:

Choose A Delivery Address Wisely

• Choose to Have Package Delivered to An Attended Location

When you order something online, consider sending the package to a place where you know someone will be available to receive it – your workplace or a friend or neighbor’s home.

• Choose to Have Package Delivered to Carrier Location

Have your deliveries sent to the nearest shipping company center. Many shipping carriers will hold the package for up to five days.

• Choose In-Store Pick Up

Many retailers provide the option of purchasing an item online and picking it up at the nearest retail location.
Know When Your Package Will Be Delivered – Sign Up For Notification Services

• Many shipment companies offer services to help you track your deliveries by receiving text messages or an e-mail. You can then plan on being home at the time of delivery or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by the delivery location and retrieve the package.
• After receiving a notification alert and you determine that you won’t be home, many carriers allow you to re-route your shipment to another location or to the carrier’s facility for later pick-up.

Require A Signature
Many shipping companies offer a service that requires a signature for a package to be released.
Provide Delivery Instructions
Many carriers allow residents to provide instructions on where the deliveries should be placed at the home (side porch, garage door, etc.)
Insure Your Package
Consider insuring your package. Contact your chosen mail carrier for coverage policies and requirements.
The Department urges residents who shop online to follow these guidelines to help ensure their packages arrive safely.

Police ask that anyone who recognizes the suspect call 240-773-5476 or 1-866-411-TIPS (8477):

Lead image via Shutterstock. Subsequent images via Montgomery County Police Department