Police are reporting fewer package thefts in the Wilshire area during the holidays as a result of an innovative operation that caught suspects red-handed.

Known as “Operation Pinch-A-Grinch,” the operation involved a collaboration between the police department and residents in neighborhoods throughout the local community. While meeting with community groups during early fall, Wilshire Division Capt. Shannon Paulson asked homeowners and apartment building managers if they would volunteer to allow police to hold a “bait” operation for package theft on their properties. Paulson said she received an enthusiastic response, with dozens of people in many neighborhoods throughout the division willing to participate.

During the operation, an undercover officer driving a delivery truck and posing as a delivery person dropped off packages with GPS tracking devices inside at predetermined locations. Undercover officers held stakeouts nearby, waiting for suspects to steal the packages, which also contained actual merchandise. Twelve people were arrested for grand and petty theft, burglary and receiving stolen property during the operation. Paulson said when questioned, some suspects admitted to frequently stealing packages. She added that the operation made an impact, as statistics for thefts during December were 30% lower this year than the holiday period in 2019.

“We have used these types of tactics against other kinds of property thefts like vehicle break-ins and car thefts, but this is the first time, to my knowledge, for package theft,” Paulson said. “With the pandemic, you have a whole new generation doing online shopping. People are using that option instead of going to stores. Knowing what we experienced last year during the holidays and knowing this year we would likely see a heightened number of package deliveries, we decided to take this new approach.”

Paulson said the detectives who regularly investigate thefts were among the first to sign on to the new program, but officers from all other units at the station eagerly took turns in the undercover operation. She added that officers sometimes waited for hours before a theft occurred, while other times it happened within minutes. Police believe thieves frequently follow delivery trucks or wait in neighborhoods for one to arrive.

“We want them to know that next time, the delivery truck they are following may be full of police officers,” Paulson added.

Residents interested in participating in similar operations are encouraged to contact the Wilshire Division Community Relations Office by calling (213)473-0200, or emailing wilshirecro@lapd.online. Posters are also available for posting as a warning to would-be thieves.

“If people are willing and believe their home is a vulnerable location, we’d be happy to hear from them,” Paulson added.