By Kazi Anwar (CCRA Vice President, Community Police Liaison)
As holiday shopping ramps up, home deliveries start arriving almost daily. Unfortunately, this is also prime time for porch pirates. These sneaky thieves watch for unattended packages and grab them faster than you can say “tracking number.” The good news is that a few simple steps can stop them in their tracks.
Start by tracking your deliveries so you know exactly when they land. Bring them inside quickly or ask a trusted neighbor to play “package goalie” if you are not home. Porch pirates hate neighbourhoods where people watch out for each other. You can also choose in-store pickup or secure lockers if you want to make life extra difficult for thieves.
Security cameras and video doorbells are great deterrents and provide helpful evidence if something goes missing. For expensive items, choose delivery that requires a signature. And keep your porch bright. A well-lit entrance makes thieves feel like they are on stage and most of them are not looking for that kind of attention.
If a package does go missing, file a police report, contact the seller or courier, and check your credit card for purchase protection. Happy holidays and safe shopping!
Emergency Resources:
- Report a Crime Anonymously: Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit
- In Case of Emergency: Dial 9-1-1.
- Non-emergency reporting to Toronto Police: Call 416-808-2222.