QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department’s Shoplifting and Package Theft Task Force, established in the fall of 2024 to combat a surge in thefts, has made notable progress in curbing these crimes, according to a press release issued today.
The task force, comprising a sergeant and two patrol officers, addressed the heightened incidents as the FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System recorded a 93% increase in shoplifting nationwide from 2019 to 2023.
With around 260,000 package thefts occurring daily across the country, Quincy police prioritized these issues during the holiday season.
From October through December, the task force handled 115 shoplifting calls, with approximately 70 resulting in arrests or criminal complaints in Quincy District Court.
The unit’s success was partly due to the strong relationships formed with local retailers, daily interactions with store managers, loss prevention staff, and collaboration with police in neighboring communities and the Massachusetts State Police.
Among the unit’s accomplishments are the identification of a suspect linked to a larger package/cellphone theft ring, the issuance of an arrest warrant for a food delivery driver who stole packages, the arrest of a pair from Fall River using a rented U-Haul to steal packages, and obtaining arrest warrants for a known felon involved in home package thefts.
The Braintree Police Department recently arrested the West Quincy felon on multiple charges after a pursuit that began with a motor vehicle violation on Jan. 4.
The QPD Shoplifting and Package Theft Task Force continues its proactive approach to reducing theft and maintaining safety in the community.
