PG County Package Thieves Arrested: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A series of package thefts in Accokeek and Fort Washington earlier this week has led to the arrest of two women, police say.

Police connected 22-year-old Breanna Stewart of Alexandria, Va., and 23-year-old Edita Hynson of Oxon Hill to at least five package thefts in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, and there were likely additional victims, according to a report from the Prince George's County Police Department.

Police found "specific items" inside the suspects' car, and are trying to identify the owners of those items, the report states.

A resident called 911 at around 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 6 to report a package had been stolen from the outside of their home, prompting a detective who was already investigating other cases to respond to the area, where he spotted the suspects' car on Mattawoman Way in Accokeek, the report continues.

The detective called for additional officers to respond, who pulled over the vehicle.

"Detectives are looking into whether the women committed additional package thefts," the report states. "We would like to hear from anyone who may have had a package stolen in the Fort Washington and Accokeek areas this week and did not report those crimes to police."

Stewart and Hynson face multiple theft charges.

Police asked anyone with more information relevant to the investigation to call detectives at 301-749-5064, or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

Authorities provide the following tips on preventing package theft:

• Install security cameras and advertise its presence to deter thieves.
• Have your mail held when out of town.
• Send packages to your place of work.
• Require a signature for delivered packages so that they won't be left on your doorstep.
• Coordinate with neighbors so they can claim any packages delivered to you when you're not home, and vice versa.