A Flatbush Package Thief Arrested In Queens Last Friday [Updated]

The suspect in a string of robberies that have plagued the Flatbush area was apprehended by police in Queens last Friday, October 7, said police.

Edward Rabaev, 39, was arrested in the 106th Precinct at 7:30am and charged with petit larceny, according to reports. Police said the suspect had stolen at least five packages in the 70th Precinct, and three packages were removed from his car upon arrest.

[Update October 12, 2:12pm]: Angela Gorelik, 34, was also arrested and charged in regards to nine package theft incidents throughout multiple Brooklyn precincts. Rabaev, who is a Kensington resident, was charged in regards to 15 thefts, according to police.

[Update October 15, 2:30pm]: According to 70th Precinct Deputy Inspector James Palumbo, the suspects have been charged with petit larceny, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto, in a total of sixteen cases.

Rabaev, who has more than two dozen prior arrests, may have been stealing these packages to fund a cocaine addiction that cost him about $500 a day, according to a police source.

In addition, Rabaev was driving a stolen gold minivan to make a quick getaway after snatching packages, on a spree that lasted more than one month. That stolen van was what alerted police to the suspect in Queens, according to Yeshiva World News.

The Flatbush Shomrim helped in the investigation by rounding up security footage of the thief for the 70th Precinct, according to the Flatbush Shomrim.

Shomrim is a Jewish community watch group that helps prevent crime like burglary and vandalism. They are funded by the NYPD but aren’t armed, and cannot make any arrests besides citizen arrests.

Unfortunately, the case may not yet be closed — complaints of mail getting stolen were reported to Flatbush Shomrim even after Rabaev was in police custody.

This issue has been a top concern for many community members, as fliers have been circulating online about package theft in Kensington and Windsor Terrace.

Residents are urged to be careful with having packages left at their doorsteps. If anyone sees someone take a package from a porch or doorstep, they are urged to contact the police immediately.

Additional reporting by Carly Miller.