Two Altoona men have been charged in connection with a string of package thefts that rippled through the State College area last month.
Christopher Shutt, 36, and John Ball, 27, were arrested on November 25 after Ferguson and Patton Township police received numerous reports of packages stolen by two men in a silver minivan.
According to court documents, Ferguson Township police received eight calls about stolen packages that totaled over $1,000 in value. The packages had been stolen from residents’ porches, and contained everything from clothing to appliances.
Police obtained the van’s license plate number from witnesses. On November 25, a Patton Township police officer stopped Shutt and Ball after noticing a silver van pulling into a driveway.
Police say several items matching the description of stolen goods were in plain view when the arresting officer approached the van. Police later searched the vehicle after obtaining Shutt’s consent, where they recovered stolen jeans, a humidifier, a dog toy, a coffeemaker, a romance novel, two children’s toys, boots and a bed set.
Ball reportedly told police that he was not aware they were stealing the packages. According to court documents, Ball claimed Shutt told him that he had purchased the packages, sent them to the houses of various relatives and was now picking them up.
Shutt and Ball both face multiple misdemeanor charges of theft and receiving stolen property.
State College police are still receiving reports about packages that were stolen in November that may be related to the allegations facing the two Altoona residents.
Between Sunday and Monday, State College police received calls about six other packages that were stolen between October and November.
On Tuesday, State College police received four additional calls about stolen packages, three of which were reportedly connected to the merchandise found in Shutt’s van.
With the holidays approaching, there’s a significant uptick in the number of packages being shipped. Police say residents should remove any packages from their porch as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to use a shipping option which require a signature upon delivery so that packages aren’t left at unoccupied homes.
Police ask anyone who is expecting a package that never arrived to call their local police department. State College police can be reached at 814-234-7150. Ferguson Township police can be reached at 814-237-1172 and Patton Township police can be reached at 814-234-0273.
Popular Stories:
School District Stuggles to Resolve Parking Dilemma Before Looming Deadline
Corman Blasts NCAA in New Court Filing, Releases Hundreds of Pages of Emails
Paterno Estate Defends Against NCAA Objections in New Court Documents
NCAA Wants to Continue Legal Fight in Federal Court
Clerk Raped at Rockview Prison Agrees to $3.3 Million Settlement
Are We Becoming the Enabler Nation?
Penn State Basketball: Penn State Outlasts Virginia Tech in ACC-Big Ten Challenge
Penn State Hockey: Six Additional Games Set For Televised Broadcast This Season
Penn State Basketball: Newbill Focused On Present Not Past
Penn State Basketball: Newbill Picks Up Big Ten Player Of The Week Honors
Penn State Football: Attendance Total Fifth Best Nationally For 2014
