San Mateo Police Arrest Suspected Package Thief

A 36-year-old San Bruno man was arrested in San Mateo after allegedly stealing a package off a delivery truck earlier this week, police said Friday.

San Mateo police responded at 11 a.m. Wednesday to a 911 call about an in-progress package theft in the 1200 block of Dore Avenue, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

A delivery driver reported that he confronted a man who was burglarizing his truck. The suspect, a white male with tattoos on his arms, fled when confronted.

Officers saturated the area in a search for the suspect, and an officer located the suspect, identified as Shane Milbourn, on an adjacent street, Norris said.

Milbourn matched the description, and began to flee from police. After a brief chase, SMPD safely took him into custody. Milbourn was positively identified as the suspect.

Milbourn was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of burglary, drug possession, drug influence, committing a felony while out on bail for another crime, and a parole violation.

This case is another example of quick action by a community member to notify SMPD immediately when criminal activity is afoot, Norris said.

As always, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING – If you see ANY in-progress crime or suspicious activity, contact the Police Department immediately via 911.

SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number – 650-522-7700

SAFETY TIPS – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT PACKAGE THEFT

We are entering the high season for mail-ordered packages, and the bandits out there know that as well. Here are some measures you can take to avoid package theft:

• Request a signature confirmation of delivery. By doing this, the deliverer will have to wait until you’re available or deliver the package to a neighbor.
• Insure valuable items.
• Encourage you neighbors to watch for deliveries and agree to secure each other’s packages. This includes being watchful for any stranger who is going onto porches for no apparent reason or following delivery trucks.
• If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work.
• Track packages online to see exactly when they’re sent to your house for delivery. Many companies officer a text notification to your cell phone when a package has been delivered.
• Leave special instructions for where to deliver the packages. A good place is on the side or back of the house, so that the package is out of sight from the road.