The local law enforcement alliance, NYPD, is actively alerting the residents of Staten Island about what they suspect to be a planned group of persons making AT&T cell phones, that have been ordered for home delivery, their target of interest.
In a recent discourse with the media house Advance/SILive.com, Lt. Francis Depalma, serving in the Grand Larceny Division of Staten Island Detective Bureau, painted a picture of these burglars as an organized faction concentrating on finding Apple phones that are brought to private residences.
These criminals evidently are privy to where and when the delivery of these cell phones can be anticipated, based on details provided by the police authorities.
Whilst bringing these criminal activities to the notice of Staten Island inhabitants, Depalma offers some guidance on how to circumvent such fraudulent occurrences.
“When individuals make purchases of cell phones from any sellers or vendor outlets, I would advise that they ensure the option to personally sign for the package delivery is availed. Alternatively, make certain that someone is at home to accept the delivery,” remarked Depalma.
Furthermore, the lieutenant is encouraging residents to maintain a state of vigilance even after successful package deliveries. As a part of the con, it may occur that these crooks might approach homes and request to collect the delivered package back, citing the need for “photos” to confirm delivery, as per Depalma’s narrative.
In such an instance, Depalma is guiding residents to act prudently and firmly decline any request to surrender the already delivered package.
Depalma explained the scope of the problem, noting, “This year to date, we are witnessing an enormous wave of package thefts that is causing distress to the inhabitants of Staten Island.”
In order to curb this growing menace of thievery, there is an effort from law enforcement agencies dedicating resources in their aim to dismantle this group of thieves.
“We have met considerable success as we managed to apprehend a few involved persons either at the time of their thievery or in its proximate time frames,” stated Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, serving as an NYPD borough commander.
He added, “Our successful track record in this endeavour is a result of coordinated efforts involving the Grand Larceny Division and AT&T.”