By Kazi Anwar, Vice President, Community Police Liaison
As the holiday season approaches, shopping kicks into high gear, and deliveries to your doorstep become a regular occurrence. But with all those boxes piling up on front porches, it’s also the perfect time for an unwelcome guest: porch pirates.
Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages left outside homes. These opportunistic criminals target unattended deliveries, often following delivery trucks and swooping in before you can bring your package inside. Here’s how you can outsmart them.
Ways to Outsmart Porch Pirates
1. Get your deliveries timed right: Keep track of your packages through delivery notifications or tracking apps. This way, you can plan to bring them inside soon after they arrive. Some couriers even offer delivery time slots.
2. Enlist a helping hand: If you’re not going to be home, ask a neighbour to collect your packages. Porch pirates avoid locations where neighbours look out for one another.
3. Opt for in-store pickup or lockers: Many retailers and delivery services now offer secure pickup options at stores or lockers. It’s an easy way to make sure your packages are safe and sound until you’re ready to get them.
4. Install security cameras: Security cameras and video doorbells are not only great deterrents but also useful in catching thieves. Knowing they’re being recorded often scares off would-be porch pirates. If a theft does happen, you have valuable evidence to share with law enforcement.
5. Use signature confirmation for high-value items: For expensive gifts, consider using delivery options that require a signature. This means packages won’t be left at the door if you’re not around.
6. Keep your porch well lit: A dark porch can be an invitIng target for thieves. Make sure your entryway is well lit to eliminate hiding spots and keep potential criminals in plain sight.
If Your Package Gets Stolen
If a porch pirate strikes, there are steps you can take:
• File a police report: Even if the theft seems minor, it’s important to report it. This not only helps track patterns of theft but may also support claims with delivery services or insurance.
• Contact the seller or delivery service: Many companies offer options for replacing stolen packages, especially if you report the loss quickly.
• Check with your credit card company: Some credit cards offer purchase protection for items that are stolen or damaged within a specific period.
Protecting Your Holiday Cheer
This holiday season don’t let porch pirates dampen your festivities. By taking a few extra steps, you can secure your deliveries and make your home a hard target for thieves. Stay vigilant and enjoy the season knowing your packages – and your peace of mind – are safe.
If you see something suspicious in our neighborhood, don’t hesitate to alert local law enforcement. A little community awareness can go a long way in stopping porch pirates in their tracks.
Happy holidays and safe shopping!
Emergency Resources
• Report a Crime Anonymously: Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.222tips.com.
• In Case of Emergency: Dial 9-1-1.
• Non-emergency reporting to Toronto Police: Call 416-808-2222