If you shop online and have packages delivered to your home, chances are you’re aware of the risks of porch theft. This kind of theft occurs when someone steals your newly delivered package right off your doorstep. Here are a few easy tips to avoid falling victim to a “porch pirate”.
Tips to avoid “porch pirate” theft
- Track your package. Canada Post offers a free online tracking app so you can monitor your package’s journey to your home and receive delivery notifications.
- Have the package sent to a relative or friend that will be home at the time of delivery. If you have a friend or family member that works from home or is retired, they may be willing to accept the package for you.
- Have the package sent to your work. If you work in an office, there’s usually someone around who can accept mail and deliveries. Consider having valuable items sent to your workplace so you know they will be safe from theft.
- Have the package held at your local post office.
- Use the “ship to store” option.
- Request a signature upon delivery.
What to do if your package is stolen
If you are sure that your package was stolen,
- Contact the company who was delivering the package (ex. Canada Post) and let them know what happened.
- Report it to local police.
- Inform the sender that the package was stolen.
If you aren’t sure if the package was stolen, read about your options in our Online orders: who is responsible when you don’t get your package?
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
I like the box of poop wired to explode 45 seconds after it has been picked up.
Canada Post gives the option of selecting an alternate location for packages to be dropped. I get mine dropped at my side door so they are not sitting right out front.
Even if I am at home, the delivery (e.g. Purolator) driver doesn’t even knock on the door. They just drop the package and run.
So how can you avoid becoming the victim of porch pirates? Whether you’ve been the victim of porch theft before or just want to avoid it happening in the future, these are the best ways to protect your parcels.
Hi Antonio, thank you for reaching out to us. Have you taken a look at the list we provided in the article? We’ve suggested 6 options and in addition to these, you can also set up for FlexDelivery with Canada Post so you provide the nearest Canada Post’s PO Box address instead of your house when ordering items online. Once the delivery is made, you will get a notification by text or email so you can pick up the item. The other option may be to look at getting a secure delivery box for your house. I’m not personally familiar with it but I believe it’s a locked-up box that parcels can be deposited into. A quick internet search will probably give you more information.