Porch pirate thefts rise during Holidays, OPP warn

A computer generated illustration showing a theft approaching packages left outside a home to repersent the concept of 'porch pirates'. (File photo/freshidea/AdobeStock)

As the Holiday shopping season approaches, Ontario Provincial Police is advising the public on how to prevent the theft of packages delivered to their homes.

Thieves who steal packages that are left at a residence when no one is home or available to accept the parcel are often called ‘porch pirates.’

According to the Canada Safety Council, one in every 10 Canadians has been a victim of such a crime, though the actual number could be much higher, as these incidents often go unreported.

Police said porch piracy happens all year long, but is more prevalent during the Holiday season due to an increase in online orders.

“With the busy shopping season here, parcels will be arriving fast and furious to front porches everywhere,” the OPP said in a previous news release.

“Criminals know this as well.”

Prevention tips

Tips to prevent porch piracy include:

• Requesting a signature upon delivery.
• Shipping to a trusted neighbour or relative who will be home.
• Having packages delivered to your workplace, if permitted.
• Tracking deliveries and planning to be home when they arrive.
• Choosing in-store or curbside pickup when possible.
• Installing video cameras and posting surveillance signage.
• Asking that packages be left out of sight, such as at a rear or side door.

If packages are stolen from your home, police advise reporting the incident to your local police service and the shipping company.

No matter what the value of the stolen package, police said, it should be reported.

Provincial police advise that if you see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, contact local authorities, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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