As online holiday shopping picks up, Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to protect their deliveries from so-called “porch pirates.” These thieves target packages left outside homes when no one is available to receive them.
Police recommend several safety tips, including requesting a signature on delivery, having packages sent to a trusted neighbour or workplace, and tracking deliveries online to ensure someone is home when they arrive.
Other suggestions include choosing in-store or curbside pickup, installing video cameras and signage, or asking couriers to leave packages in a less visible spot like a side or back door.
Anyone who has a package stolen is asked to report the theft to local police and the shipping company. Suspicious activity can also be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at valleytips.ca.
The OPP says small precautions now can help protect holiday gifts later.
