WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Hanlon reports that the Whitman Police Department has arrested a local resident, Colin Mackie, 41, in connection with multiple package thefts following an investigation.
Mackie was arrested and charged with:
Breaking and Entering a Building During the Nighttime with Intent to Commit a Felony
Larceny From a Building
The thefts began in early December when Whitman Police received numerous reports of packages being stolen from a large apartment complex on Marble Street. These thefts were traced back to early September.
Detectives from the Whitman Police Department launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage, and determined that the same suspect was responsible for at least eight thefts.
On the morning of December 18, a Whitman Police detective conducted surveillance at the complex, placing a “bait” package that appeared to be a laptop box. The detective then witnessed Mackie enter the building and steal three packages, including the bait package.
Mackie was apprehended inside the building and arrested. Additional evidence linking him to previous thefts was recovered, and further charges are expected once the investigation is concluded.
Mackie was arraigned on December 19 in Brockton District Court.
Chief Hanlon praised Detective Sgt. Patrick Burtt-Henderson for his diligent work in solving the case. “His thorough investigation spanned multiple weeks and discovered thefts that occurred over a four-month period. His efforts reflect the integrity and professionalism the Whitman Police Department strives for,” Hanlon said.
Anyone who believes they were a victim of a package theft is encouraged to contact the Whitman Police Department at 781-447-1212.