A 29-year-old Long Beach man, Michael Ray Lancaster, was arrested for his involvement in an incident relating to stealing from delivery trucks on the 300 block of Covina Avenue on October 30, police announced today.

Lancaster was booked into Long Beach City Jail for receiving known stolen property and possession of a controlled substance, according to a statement from the Long Beach Police Department. He posted bail and was released from custody. The investigation remains ongoing.

In conjunction with the announcement of Lancaster’s arrest, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is advising residents to take precautionary measures when anticipating delivery of mail-ordered or online-ordered items.

Several Long Beach residents have reported packages stolen from their front porches throughout the city, the LBPD said, with the East Patrol Division being the predominant area. This area includes the Park Estates, Belmont Park and Belmont Heights neighborhoods.

Suspects have been seen following delivery trucks or parking outside of anticipated delivery locations. Witnesses also reported seeing suspects flee in vehicles and on rollerblades and bikes.

The LBPD said residents can take the following measures to avoid their packages from being stolen:

    • Ship items to a location where they will be personally received
    • Request carriers ship items to their local store or distribution center to be held for pick up
    • Advise your post office when you will be out of town so they can hold your deliveries until your return
    • Track the progress of your anticipated delivery and if you don’t receive it as expected, contact the issuing company/vendor
    • Request signature proof of delivery
    • Get to know your carriers. Typically it’s the same person on ‘your route’
    • Ask a trusted neighbor to collect & hold the item rather than leaving it in a common area
    • Remove valuables and holiday packages from your vehicle. Don’t use your vehicle or unsecured area as storage

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity regarding theft of packages is asked to call the LBPD at 562-435-6711.