Doorstep Package Theft Is Expected To Reach An All-Time High In Canada This Holiday Season

Ship signature required always, and more prevention tips.

If you're like me, and did most of your holiday shopping this year in bed swaddled in sweats and blankets, then you'll know the struggle of keeping track of all the incoming packages coming over the next few weeks.

TL;DR According to a recent report by CTV New these "porch pirates" are not only a growing problem in the United States, but in Canada as well. Here are a few key preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of doorstep parcel theft.

All of a sudden, your home turns into a mini parcel receiving facility. It can sometimes be hard to keep track of everything.

Package thieves know that this is a busy time of year for shipping and receiving, and these professional robbers are driving around local neighbourhoods eyeing your front porches and doorsteps for their next jackpot.

According to a recent report by CTV News, these "porch pirates" are not only a growing problem in the United States, but in Canada as well.

The statistics in the U.S paint a seriously awful picture: about 25.9 million Americans had a holiday parcel lifted from their doorstep in 2017. Which is a 10 percent increase from two years prior.

Although there is a lack of official statistical data in Canada, it is speculated that package theft is becoming a big issue for Canadians as well.

If you're looking for ways to prevent this from happening to your holiday parcels, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of parcel theft.

First, always ensure your parcel will be shipped with signature required. This can sometimes cost more, so you may have to contact a customer service representative to request it. However, signature required should guarantee that if you are not home, the parcel won't just be carelessly left on your doorstep while you're at work.

Speaking of work, second option, always have the parcel ship to a location where someone can sign or receive it. Like an office, or to the residence of a friend or relative who works from home.

Third, if you're very dedicated, you can always invest in front porch security cameras, which are actually relatively inexpensive to install. When thieves spot a security camera, they are less likely to attempt a theft at that house. It's a huge deterrent.

Finally, Canada Post offers a service called "Flex Delivery," where a package can be dropped off at a post office of your choice, instead of your front door.

For the full report on "porch pirates" from CTV News, click HERE!