Packages Of Toys Stolen In Vienna Before Delivery

VIENNA, VA—Police have warned residents about "porch pirates" taking packages from homes in and around Vienna. But a recent case involved packages stolen even before they got to the resident's porches.

On Dec. 15, a resident came across Amazon two packages of children's toys near a retaining wall in the 400 block of Lawyers Road NW. The tracking numbers indicated they hadn't been delivered and had likely been stolen right from a delivery truck or facility, Vienna Police say. The unknown thief had opened the packages, but it was unclear if any of the items were missing.

Residents at the shipping addresses confirmed they had not received the packages. Amazon has since replaced the orders, while the toys from the first package became donations for a local church drive for needy families.

Local authorities offer the following tips to help residents avoid package thefts:

• Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when packages are delivered.
• Don't leave delivered packages unattended. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for the packages and offer the same in return.
• Require a signature delivery for packages you ship to friends and family.
• Set up alternative delivery options. Check your delivery service's website for details.
• If a retailer offers the option of purchasing items online and picking up in store or at a locker, they'll be safe until you can pick them up.
• See if it's possible to have packages delivered to your workplace for the holiday season.
• Hold your mail and packages when going out of town.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood and call the police non-emergency number.
• Package theft is not just an issue around the holidays, it occurs throughout the year. Consider investing in an exterior security system.

Town of Vienna residents can report suspicious activity to the Vienna Police Department at 703-255-6366. Other Fairfax County residents should call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Here are other incidents from the Town of Vienna's newest crime report, including a "Grinch" that cut the cord to some holiday lights.

Vandalism 17-011006
1000 Block Echols Street SE
Between December 14 at 11:00 p.m. and December 15 at 7:30 a.m.
A resident reported that someone cut an extension cord that was powering Christmas lights in his
front yard.

Destruction of Property 17-011093
200 Block Commons Drive NW
December 19 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
A resident stated his wife had a dispute with a Madison High School student last week who was
parking in violation of “No Parking” signs in their community. Today the resident found that
someone secured an obscene bumper sticker to his vehicle. Damage was caused to the vehicle’s
paint when he attempted to remove the sticker.

Nutley Street and Orchard Street NW 17-11055
December 17 8:49 p.m.
Vehicle-2 was traveling north on Nutley Street. Vehicle-1 was traveling east on Orchard Street.
Both drivers stated they stopped for their stop sign before proceeding into the intersection.
Vehicle-2 struck the passenger side of Vehicle-1. Driver-1 complained of injury and was
transported by rescue personnel to an area hospital.

Image via Patch editor Renee Schiavone