PGPD Identifies & Arrests Two Suspects for Multiple Porch Package Thefts; Additional Victims Likely

Joseph Brooks               Aaron Dates

The Prince George’s County Police Department identified and arrested two suspects linked to multiple package thefts in Clinton. They are 20-year-old Joseph Brooks of the 6400 block of Cloverleaf Avenue in Clinton and 22-year-old Aaron Dates of the 2300 block of High Street in Southeast, Washington D.C. 

Currently, Brooks and Dates are charged in connection with package thefts at three homes on December 15^th and 16^th. The homes are on Lucky Lure Drive and Fishing Creek Way. Detectives believe there are additional victims. Investigators believe they were operating primarily in neighborhoods near Brooks’ home.

Actual Vehicle

 

Through investigative techniques, the suspects were identified, located and arrested during a traffic stop. They were driving the above pictured Dodge Durango.

During a search of Brooks’ home, detectives recovered multiple items belonging to the victims. Additional items were recovered in the home that investigators believe belong to additional package theft victims in the Clinton area. If you believe you are among those victims, please call detectives at 301-868-8773.

“With package thefts becoming a national crime trend, I hope the arrest of these individuals brings some assurance to the community that our patrol officers and investigators are working very hard to identify and arrest these criminals. This is not a petty crime, as evident by the concern it raises in the community and the dramatic effect it has on the victims and their families especially during this time of year,” said Major Sunny Mrotek, Commander of the Regional Investigation Division.  

A court commissioner released both suspects on personal recognizance.

During the holiday shopping season and beyond, we are offering safety tips to help stop these types of package thieves:

*If possible, pick up the ordered item at the store

*Ship the item to your workplace

*Have a neighbor keep an eye out for the item if you know you won’t be home during the delivery window

*Have the item sent to a friend or family member who is home during normal delivery hours

*If possible, ship the item to an Amazon Locker, UPS Office, FedEx Office or Post Office

*Require a signature at the time of delivery

Anyone with information on any of these cases or has seen the pictured SUV is asked to call 301-868-8773.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)