QUINCY — Following a sharp rise in shoplifting incidents and package thefts, the Quincy Police Department announced today that their Shoplifting and Package Theft Task Force, established in fall 2024, has made significant headway in combating these crimes.
The task force, which includes a sergeant and two patrol officers, has been actively working to address the nationwide surge in shoplifting, which according to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, was up 93% in 2023 compared to 2019.
SafeWise data also shows around 260,000 package thefts occurring daily.
With the holiday season typically seeing a spike in such incidents, the task force sprang into action from October through December last year, responding to 115 shoplifting calls, with approximately 70 cases resulting in arrests or criminal complaints in Quincy District Court.
Chief Mark P.
Kennedy highlighted the importance of collaboration with retail partners and other law enforcement agencies, including Boston, Braintree, Weymouth, and the Massachusetts State Police, among others.
“Our department recognizes that strong relationships with our retail partners, surrounding law enforcement agencies, and the district court help curtail retail theft,” said Kennedy.
Notable achievements of the task force include identifying a suspect in a package/cellphone theft ring, obtaining an arrest warrant for a food delivery driver who stole packages on the job, arresting a duo from Fall River for stealing approximately 30 packages using a rented U-Haul, and securing two arrest warrants for a known felon from West Quincy responsible for a home break-in and package theft.
This individual was subsequently arrested by the Braintree Police Department on multiple charges.
The Quincy Police Department’s efforts underscore its commitment to reducing victimization and the fear of crime in the community by proactively addressing these pervasive theft issues.
