With the holidays approaching, police are urging people to take steps to keep porch pirates at bay.
“With the busy shopping season here, parcels will be arriving fast and furious to front porches everywhere. Criminals know this as well,” Central Region OPP stated in a news release.
“Often referred to as ‘porch pirates,’ these thieves steal packages when no one is at home to accept the parcel.”
Police have provided the following tips:
- Request a signature on delivery
- Ship the package to a trusted neighbour or relative who will be home
- Have the packages delivered to your work, if allowed by the employer
- Track your deliveries online so you know when they’re slated to arrive, and plan to be home upon delivery
- Opt for in-store or curbside pickup wherever possible
- Install video cameras and post signage to indicate surveillance is in effect
- Request the package be left out of sight at a rear or side door
Those who have packages stolen are encouraged to report the incident to police and the shipping company.