With an increase in parcels being delivered to people’s homes due to online shopping, Canadians have seen a rise in package theft directly from their doorsteps. The terms “porch pirates” or “box bandits” refer to individuals who go from house to house with the sole purpose of stealing packages. “Ensuring a safe delivery makes sense year-round, but we know that would-be package thieves are especially keen during the holiday season, as there is an increase in purchases.
At isure, we recognize that the holidays are a time for giving and spending with family. Whether it’s that PlayStation you’ve been yearning for or the latest iPhone, we want to ensure that your Christmas presents and other packages are safely in the right hands. That’s why we’ve researched for you to bring you tips that help better protect your deliveries from porch pirates.
Running the Numbers
Global comparison site Finder surveyed Canadians and found that 23% have had a run-in with a “porch pirate.” This means porch pirates have victimized an astounding 6.9 million Canadians in the past! However, recent survey data from FedEx Express Canada indicates that reported package theft among Canadians dropped from 16% in 2023 to 10% in 2024. While nearly one in ten Canadians has had a package worth more than $250 stolen, the average value of stolen packages is $113. That’s approximately $784 million worth of products that have been “pirated” from porches across Canada. However, recent data from 2024 on has not been reported.
Who Are the Victims of Porch Pirates?
Several factors significantly impact whether you’ll be a victim of package theft. Age does seem to play a massive role in whether you have experienced package theft:
- 31% of Millennials have had a package taken.
- 28% of Generation Z have had a package taken.
- 16% of those in Generation X have had a package taken.
- 12% of Boomers have experienced this modern-day phenomenon.
Higher salaries = higher incidences of package theft
Not surprisingly, the more you earn, the more you seem to be predisposed to a greater likelihood of having a package stolen:
- Canadians with a personal income of $100k to $120k are the most likely to experience package theft at 31%.
- Those making $80,000 to $99,000 and $40,000 to $59,000 came in at a close second, with 25% experiencing package theft.
- Canadians making $60,000 to $79,000 came in third place, with 23% experiencing package theft.
- Just under a quarter of Canadians (23%) making $20,000 to $39,999 had a package stolen.
- Only 16% of Canada’s lowest earners ($20,000 and under) have been the victims of a porch pirate.
Be sure to take some simple precautions to ensure your purchases make it to the right person this holiday,” says OPP Insp. Commander Angie McCollum, Community Safety Services. Porch pirates are known to linger on residential streets with high-delivery traffic or, in some cases, even follow delivery trucks directly to their destinations.
How to Prevent Porch Pirates From Stealing Your Packages and Gifts
1. Go High-Tech with Home Security
There are various security measures one can take to deter and catch porch pirates. Combat would-be thieves with technology, such as:
- Install a doorbell camera, which allows you to monitor and record any activity at your door. Some are even accessible directly from a smartphone and allow for two-way talking. We suggest purchasing a doorbell with a microphone for the added function of being able to speak with someone approaching your doorstep. Tell a delivery person where to conceal a package or scare off a potential thief by telling them your camera is recording. Overall, a video doorbell provides the peace of mind that a traditional doorbell cannot offer. The Ring doorbell has models starting at $99, and the Google Nest Hello doorbell retails for $299.
- Use motion-sensor lights to scare away potential thieves, which is especially helpful for evening deliveries.
- Set up security cameras on the exterior of your home to discourage trespassers who are wary of being recorded.
2. Track Packages or Request a Signature on Delivery
You’ve filled your cart and entered your payment details. It’s now time to choose your shipping details. We suggest you take a moment to check the box for “signature required.” This is an option available with all primary delivery services, including UPS, FedEx, and DHL. If you’re in a bind and won’t be home to sign for your package, see if your delivery service will let you redirect the package to a trusted neighbour’s address. UPS MyChoice has this option. You can also often request a delivery confirmation. Becoming a UPS My Choice member is free and gives you greater control over when and where your shipments will be delivered.
3. Ship Packages to a Secure Pick-Up Destination
Many companies have realized that the increase in package theft has become a significant issue. Those affected are grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, delivery companies, and Canada Post (FlexDelivery). These retailers now provide the option to pick up your package directly. Some online retailers offer an alternate pickup location option at checkout. If you’re unsure of your nearest option, call the location closest to you to check availability. If all else fails, you can always send your packages to your workplace address, provided you have checked with your employer first, of course. Most deliveries are made during office hours, so you can ease your concerns by shipping your packages directly to your office. That way, you know that you’ll be available to sign for it and that the parcel will end up directly in your hands.
4. Get a Porch Pirate Bag or Purchase a Package Lock Box
Purchase a package guard or porch pirate bag, a nylon bag that locks to your front door or gate. Instruct the courier to place your package inside and close it using the combination lock. Even though the Porch Pirate bag can conceivably be cut open by package thieves, it will more than likely be an effective deterrent—and at $35, it’s a relatively affordable experiment. Although it may be costly, investing in a porch lock box could be worthwhile if your packages are frequently stolen. Danby Parcel Guard and The Porch Pod are smart package safes that protect your deliveries from potential tampering and outdoor weather conditions. Retailers also offer the option of curbside pickups.
5. Get Amazon Locker to protect yourself from package thieves
Amazon offers an option for thwarting porch pirates: an authorized Amazon Locker. You can use the online postal code locator to find a locker near you and use that as your delivery address. It’s free to use—and if you’re a Prime member, you’re eligible for free two-day shipping. Returning a package to Amazon? You can even drop it off here, too!
6. Watch for Any Unusual or Suspicious Behaviour
Although many people have been working remotely from home, not everyone has the option to do so. While you may be unable to monitor your house 24/7, it is helpful to be aware of your surroundings before leaving for work in the morning. Take a look around your street. If you see someone sitting in their car observing the street or watching your every move, it’s best to contact your local police. Many package thieves target areas they’re familiar with or neighborhoods known for recurring deliveries. If you have a neighbour or friend who you know is home during the day, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) suggests that you ask them to help you out. Either send the package directly to their doorstep or ask them to swing by and hold onto the item once you know delivery is complete.
7. Utilize ‘Shop and Pick-Up’ Options at Your Favourite Retailer
Best Buy, among other well-known locations, allows you to buy online and pick up your packages from the location nearest to you. You place your order as usual and pick it up directly from the store once it’s ready.
Porch Pirates and Package Theft: Conclusion
Porch pirates are the last thing you want to deal with during the holiday season. While the holiday season remains a high-risk time, the increase in e-commerce means elevated risk all year long. We at isure believe that by following these necessary safety measures, you can reduce or eliminate the risk of package theft. We hope that these tips provide you with that essential peace of mind and help to keep you and your deliveries safe and secure from package thieves.
Be sure to protect the things you value most with proper insurance coverage. Whether you require home, condo, or tenant insurance, isure offers the broadest range of coverage options in the market. Speak to an isure broker today for the best coverage, value, and advice.
Wishing you a Happy Holidays and a theft-free online shopping experience!
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