A Lakewood woman was arrested following an investigation into multiple package thefts from a residence on New Central Avenue, TLS has learned.

Police responded after the victim reported several packages had been taken from the property over the course of multiple days. Following a subsequent call from the homeowner, officers located and identified the suspect nearby.

Michelle Ricks, 66, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of theft and later released pending a future court appearance.

Chief Gregory H. Meyer reminded residents to remain vigilant when expecting deliveries and encouraged the community to report suspicious activity immediately.

“Package thefts are often crimes of opportunity,” said Meyer. “We encourage residents to utilize security cameras when possible, retrieve deliveries promptly, and contact police right away if they observe suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods.”

The investigation was conducted by members of the Lakewood Police Department Patrol Division.