Massachusetts
Watch: ‘Delivery’ man wearing fake Amazon vest steals package from Massachusetts home
Porch pirate disguised as Amazon delivery driver steals package
A man donning a fake Amazon vest was caught on a doorbell camera stealing a package outside a home.
What appeared to be an Amazon driver delivering a package was actually a thief carrying one away.
A doorbell camera captured footage of a man wearing a fake Amazon vest and casually stealing a package from in front of a home in the Massachusetts city of Gardner, about 60 miles northwest of Boston. The video shows the thief approach the home in broad daylight last month and carrying a box as he walks in, a likely attempt to look more like a legitimate deliveryman.
The Gardner Police Department said on Facebook that there has been a recent increase in the theft of delivered packages from people’s doorsteps, often by suspects wearing “Amazon” vests. Expensive items like cell phones are most commonly stolen in the the thefts, which are happening sometimes mere minutes after deliveries.
“We are urging the public to keep an eye out, be observant, and if possible note any identifying information of suspicious persons or vehicles (license plates, vehicle make/model etc) if safe to do so,” the department wrote.
Many thefts reported in town that day
The package was stolen from Gardner resident Matt Elsevier, who at first believed the thief was an actual Amazon delivery employee, according to local station WCVB-TV.
“He walked in carrying a package with his phone. You know, he made it look (legitimate) like he was actually going to drop off a package,” Elsevier told the station. “As soon as I saw the footage, I made a call to the police and filed a report. I sent them all the security footage that I had.”
Gardner police Det. Lt. Matt Arsenault said Elsevier’s home was one of many thefts that day, WCVB-TV reported.
Arsenault urged residents to consider having their packages delivered to other more secure locations, like the Post Office, a UPS Store or a nearby Amazon locker.
Contributing: Stephen Landry, The Gardner News
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Massachusetts
Officer shoots man in Fitchburg, mayor says; DA, state police investigating
Police in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, shot a man Sunday morning after he allegedly pointed a gun directly at an officer, according to the city’s mayor and police department.
Fitchburg police say they received a 911 call around 9:21 a.m. for a man armed with a gun, walking with no shirt on towards Lunenburg Street. When an officer encountered the man, he got out of his police vehicle and attempted to deescalate the situation, however, moments later the man allegedly aimed his gun toward the officer.
According to police, the officer discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the man. The officer immediately began to render medical aid to the injured man, police said.
The man was stable at the scene and taken to an area hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to police. His name has not been released.
Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia said in a Facebook post that the man, who was allegedly making suicidal statements, was taken to the hospital by medical helicopter after the incident on Howard Street.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
According to police, the officer involved in the shooting is a 2-year veteran of the department. He has been placed on administrative leave, as is required by policy. His name has not been released.
Fitchburg police are working with Massachusetts State Police and Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early’s office, who will be investigating the police shooting moving forward.
Massachusetts
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