OTHELLO – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Othello Police Department is increasing awareness about package thefts that have recently plagued the community. In a bid to prevent residents from becoming victims of these crimes, Police Chief Dave Rehaume said residents should be mindful and cautious when having packages delivered.  

“Our department has seen a notable increase in package thefts, particularly during daylight hours when many residents are away at work or school,” Rehaume said. “We believe that the suspect is actively targeting homes where packages have been left unattended.” 

Last week, the Othello Police Department posted a request on social media for assistance in identifying suspects involved in a series of thefts.  

The suspect was reportedly seen taking packages from doorsteps, and authorities are following leads related to a vehicle identified as stolen in the Moses Lake area.  

“While we have yet to locate a definitive suspect, we are actively tracking various leads and working closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies,” Rehaume said. 

In light of the upcoming holiday season, Rehaume emphasized the importance of taking precautions to protect delivered packages.  

“Using delivery lockups or pickup points is a wise choice,” he said. “If it’s feasible, consider having packages sent to your workplace or a friend’s house where someone will be available to accept them.” 

Rehaume further stressed the effectiveness of real-time notifications from delivery services, which can alert residents when packages are en route, allowing them to coordinate pick-up efforts with neighbors. “Communicating with your neighbors can create a stronger community watch,” he said. “If you expect a package, you can ask a neighbor to pick it up if you’re not home.” 

Additional recommendations include installing video doorbells or security cameras, which can serve as both deterrents and sources of evidence if theft occurs.  

“Visible cameras can make a thief think twice about attempting to steal a package,” Rehaume said. 

In the event of a stolen package, residents are encouraged to report the theft to the Othello Police Department at 509-488-3314 and contact the delivery company to verify the package's status. If not a resident of Othello, reach out to the nearest police agency and report the crime.  

“With community cooperation and vigilance, we can significantly reduce the risk of package thefts this holiday season,” he said.