Newark police are teaming up with e-commerce giant Amazon to fight back against package theft.

The partners announced their collaboration in May. Under it, law enforcement in New Jersey’s largest city have installed Amazon-powered lockers at all seven police precincts.

As of Oct. 30, Amazon shoppers have the option to choose the following locations for delivery:

• 4th Precinct – Central Ward 247 16th Ave.
• 5th Precinct – South Ward 480 Clinton Ave.
• 6th Precinct – West Ward 491 Irvington Ave.
• 7th Precinct – North Ward 159 N. 10th St.
• Metro Precinct – 22 Franklin St.

A police department spokesperson told NJBIZ that lockers will soon come to the remaining two 2nd and 3rd precincts.

According to Newark Police, when a package arrives at the assigned locker, the recipient will receive a secure access code from Amazon via email. Then, they will use that code at the locker’s terminal to retrieve the package.

If a package is left in the locker for more than three days, Amazon will remove it to make room for new deliveries. Customers whose items are removed by Amazon will receive full refunds from the retailer for their non-retrieved items, Newark Police said.

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Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said, “The location of Amazon lockers at Newark Police Precincts is designed to provide added peace of mind to our residents who may not be at home when an ordered package arrives. Package theft is a crime of opportunity. A thief who sees a delivered package that the rightful owner hasn’t yet retrieved will likely take advantage of the situation by stealing the item and walking away.”

“Our goal is to offer Amazon lockers at all Newark Police Precincts. Online shopping with package delivery has become such a common practice that assisting our neighbors to secure their property is an important step in our ongoing work to reduce crime,” he added.

Newark Police Chief Sharonda Morris shared, “Although we thoroughly investigate every package theft that occurs in Newark, offering residents a safe alternative location where their packages can be delivered is a win-win for Newark Police and our residents.”

Anyone with information about criminal activity can call the department’s 24-hour tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Individuals can also submit anonymously at npd.newarkpublicsafety.org.

The addition of Amazon lockers at police precincts comes amid a steady rise in so-called “porch pirate” incidents nationwide.

In an October 2024 survey by ValuePenguin, 41% of Americans reported having a package or delivery stolen. Additionally, 25% said it happened in the past year.

A November 2024 report by SafeWise estimated that the more than 120 million packages taken during the prior year resulted in the loss of tens of billions of dollars.