Concord Police Nab Package Thief in "Operation Grinch"

Concord police are calling it "Operation Grinch."

It began when a Concord resident, waiting for a package of Christmas gifts to arrive, decided to check the home's security camera to see if the goods had been delivered. The tape showed Concord's very own Grinch stealing the box from the front of the house.

Pictures of the adult male suspect were sent to police and posted on Claycord.com, and soon the Financial Crimes Unit of the Concord Police Department had plenty of tips about the identity of Mr. Grinch.

Police sought a warrant for the arrest of 39-year-old Daniel Price of Concord, but in the early hours of Thursday morning, according to CPD, Price was arrested by officers from the Pittsburg Police Department on charges of siphoning gasoline. He was then transferred into the custody of Concord police detectives.

Price's house on Crystal Avenue in Concord was searched Thursday morning and stolen property from the package was recovered, along with evidence linking Price to the crime, according to CPD.

Detectives are working to return the stolen property to the victim prior to the holiday, the Concord Police Department said.

Price was booked at the Concord Police Department jail for petty theft and possession of stolen property, and subsequently transported to county jail in Martinez.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are releasing no additional details at this time.

Residents in Concord are advised to track packages due to arrive around the holidays and ensure that they are brought in from outside as soon as possible.

Amazon.com offers a "text trace" service that notifies customers by text message when a package has been delivered. The smartphone app also has the option of notifications upon shipment and delivery.

Have you ever had a package stolen from your house? Why do you think thieves risk it? And what can be done to prevent such crimes? Comment below.