Springfield Man Faces Multiple Package Theft Charges: Report

ARLINGTON, VA — The Property Crimes Unit of the Arlington County Police arrested a Springfield man Monday in connection with a string of package thefts in the county, according to police release. Police charged 36-year-old Haroon Cheema with possession of burglarious tools and four counts of petit larceny.

A patrol officer observed an unoccupied vehicle without license plates parked around 1:10 p.m., in the 300 block of 23rd Street S. in the Crystal City area. The vehicle matched the description of a vehicle connected with a Dec. 27 report of a package theft. The officer observed Cheema return to the vehicle with a bag containing what police say were stolen packages. Cheema drove a short distance and police stopped him as he was leaving the vehicle. During an execution of a search warrant on the vehicle, police discovered additional packages. Police are working to identify and notify victims.

Additional charges against Cheema are pending.

ACPD shared the following safety tips to prevent package thefts:

• Schedule packages to arrive when you are home and track their progress during shipment
• Bring packages inside as soon as possible after delivery
• Have someone you trust accept the package if you will not be home during delivery
• Require signature on delivery
• Utilize other delivery options such as lockers or in-store pick up
• Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation

Police encourage package theft victims to file an online crime report.