LOS ANGELES, CA – A United Parcel Service (UPS) delivery worker has been terminated after allegedly stealing an Apple Watch intended as a gift, an incident caught on home surveillance footage in Los Angeles’ Gramercy Park neighborhood, according to the company.
The theft occurred during a recent delivery, with video evidence from a home security system capturing the suspect in the act. The video shows a UPS truck arriving at the curb across the street from the victim’s home.
The delivery worker, carrying a small package, approaches the residence’s front gate. Instead of placing the package on the porch as expected, the employee appears to look over his shoulder before opening the package, removing the Apple Watch, and discarding the empty packaging in a neighbor’s garbage can.
The video then shows the delivery worker returning to the UPS truck, where he and another employee departed the scene.
Eliu Chavez, the intended recipient of the delivery, shared his account of the incident. Chavez explained that the Apple Watch was meant to be a gift for his wife. After noticing the package marked as delivered but failing to locate it, he reviewed his surveillance footage. To his dismay, the video clearly showed the theft in progress.
In response to the incident, UPS issued a statement confirming the immediate termination of the individual involved.
“The temporary seasonal hire has been terminated,” the company said. “This incident does not reflect our values. We have no tolerance for theft. UPS employees are trained to perform their jobs with integrity and professionalism, and we are committed to providing reliable and secure delivery to customers.”
Apple Watches, which vary in price from $150 to $800 depending on the model, are a popular holiday gift item. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of package deliveries, especially during the holiday season, when delivery volumes are at their peak.
UPS has not disclosed further details about the terminated employee or whether law enforcement has been involved in the case. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring that customer deliveries remain secure and reliable, stating that additional measures are in place to deter similar incidents.
The case serves as a reminder for customers to utilize surveillance and tracking tools, particularly during periods of high-volume deliveries, and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability from delivery service providers. Authorities and UPS are encouraging individuals to report any suspicious behavior or discrepancies in their deliveries to ensure swift resolution.
