Queens Local News: Grinch Steals Holiday Gifts from Woodside Apartment Building: NYPD Seeks Help Identifying Suspect
A Grinch-like thief stole an entire lobby of holiday packages from a Woodside apartment building. NYPD released video and is asking for tips.
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| The NYPD is searching for this man who stole holiday packages out of the lobby of a Queens apartment building. |
By Dan Gesslein
Queens Voice
December 23, 2025
Holiday Grinch Strikes in Woodside, Queens
On December 19, 2025, at around 6 pm, the suspect entered the apartment building at 40-33 69th Street in Woodside, Queens, under the guise of a typical resident. The building’s lobby was stacked with packages, most likely holiday gifts waiting to be delivered to residents. The Grinch, however, had other plans. As one of the building's residents exited the building, the suspect slipped in behind them. Once alone in the lobby, he started grabbing the packages—one by one—and loading them up into a cloth bag or knapsack.
A Bold and Quick Theft
The suspect’s brazen act wasn’t only shocking because of the number of gifts stolen, but also because of how quickly he made his getaway. After securing his haul, the thief fled the building, disappearing into the streets of Woodside. Now, the NYPD is working tirelessly to track him down.
If you live in Woodside or nearby neighborhoods, you might have seen the suspect walking through the area around the time of the theft. The NYPD is urging anyone who saw something suspicious to come forward.
What Did the Grinch Look Like?
NYPD officials have released surveillance footage of the suspect, and based on the video, they’re looking for a male with a medium complexion and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a long black winter coat, brown work boots, and carrying a cloth bag or knapsack.
While it may be tempting to compare him to a holiday villain, this thief isn’t just stealing toys or gifts—he’s taking away a piece of holiday cheer for the residents of Woodside.
How to Help the NYPD Catch This Grinch
Have you seen this man or know someone who might? The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying this suspect. If you have any information, you can contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at:
- 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
- For Spanish speakers: 1-888-57-PISTA (74782)
You can also submit tips online through the NYPD's Crime Stoppers website. Every little bit helps.
How Porch Pirates are Targeting NYC This Holiday Season
This isn’t the first time we've seen a rise in “porch piracy” this time of year. Many NYC residents have faced the frustration of having packages stolen off their doorsteps or from building lobbies. The problem tends to spike during the holidays, when more people are ordering gifts online and deliveries increase.
In fact, package theft is one of the most common crimes around the holidays. According to recent reports, thousands of packages are stolen in the New York City area every year, making this kind of theft a growing concern. While some criminals may target packages directly from doorsteps, others, like the suspect in this Woodside incident, take advantage of unguarded building lobbies.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Packages
- Opt for secure delivery options: Some delivery services offer features like signature confirmation, where the carrier requires a signature before leaving a package.
- Use a package locker or concierge service: Many buildings offer package concierge services or lockers where packages can be securely stored.
- Install a doorbell camera or security system: If you have a camera monitoring your lobby or doorstep, it could help authorities track down thieves in the future.
Why This Holiday Season Has Been Particularly Stressful for Some Woodside Residents
For those living in Woodside, especially in buildings with shared lobbies, the theft of packages can be especially upsetting. Many residents were hoping to receive holiday gifts from family and friends—only to have them vanish within hours of being delivered. For some, this crime isn’t just about the stolen items; it’s about the feeling of security that was taken away.
As the holidays draw closer, residents are more than ever concerned about the safety of their deliveries. While the NYPD continues to investigate, there’s still a chance that the Grinch will slip through the cracks—unless tips from the community help lead to his capture.
Final Thoughts on the Grinch of Woodside
While the classic tale of the Grinch focused on a green villain who stole Christmas from Whoville, this real-life Grinch is robbing holiday cheer in a much more direct way. Residents of Woodside and surrounding areas are reminded to stay vigilant during this holiday season, particularly when it comes to package deliveries.
The NYPD urges anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit tips online to help bring this holiday thief to justice.
Stay safe and don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday spirit!
For more news on package theft and other holiday-related crimes, visit the Queens Voice News for regular updates.
FAQs About Package Theft in NYC
Q: How can I report stolen packages in NYC?
A: You can report stolen packages to the NYPD or your building’s management if you live in an apartment. You can also file a report through the NYC.gov portal or contact Crime Stoppers for more direct assistance.
Q: What should I do if I see someone stealing packages in my building?
A: If you see a suspicious individual or activity in your building, report it immediately to building security or contact the NYPD. Be sure to take note of the suspect’s appearance and any details like their clothing or the direction they fled.
Q: Are there ways to prevent package theft in NYC?
A: Yes! Consider using secure delivery services, installing cameras, and asking for packages to be sent to secure locations, such as package lockers or your workplace.
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