Man Charged with Stealing Packages on Beacon Street

A Medford man was charged with stealing packages from the lobby of a building on Beacon Street.

Brookline Police were patrolling the area of Beacon Street at 5:38 p.m. on April 22. There was a “be on the lookout” report for a white male in a black jacket with a black scaly cap that was going through packages on Beacon Street. The witness told police that a man she did not recognize entered the lobby of her building and began tearing at the corners of packages.

The suspect was seen heading inbound on Beacon Street on the outbound side of the street. As the dispatch put out the suspect’s description, it was reported that he had just past the Summit Avenue T stop, and then jogged to the train when it arrived.

Officers observed a male who matched the description of the suspect carrying four bags board the trolley and seat. Brookline police escorted the suspect off the train and searched the suspect. Officers found a folding knife in his pocket, which reportedly discovered boxing tape stuck to the tip of the folding knife.

Officers informed the suspect that a witness reported that he was tearing through boxes inside the lobby of a building.

A witness on the train informed officers that the suspect had left a few items on the train. Officers found paper bags containing random items.

The initial reporting witness identified the suspect. Officers arrested Robert Chambers, 42, of 21 Bookings Street, Medford, and charged him with attempted larceny from a building and possession of burglarious tools.  

Brookline police received a report of a stolen package on St. Paul’s Street at 5:10 p.m. that evening. The contents of the package were described as a J. Crew short sleeve polo and a pair of J. Crew shorts. Officers found similar articles of clothing in the suspect’s possessions, and charged him with knowingly receiving stolen property of over $250.