A startling new survey has revealed that package theft has become a significant problem for Canadian households, with one in ten residents reporting stolen deliveries over the past year.
The Scope of Package Theft in Canada
The survey, published on December 7, 2024, highlights a growing concern among Canadians who rely on online shopping and home delivery services. Approximately 10% of Canadian households have fallen victim to what's commonly known as "porch piracy" - the theft of packages left at doorsteps by delivery services.
This problem has escalated alongside the rapid growth of e-commerce and home delivery services across the country. As more Canadians turn to online shopping for convenience, particularly during the holiday season, the risk of package theft has correspondingly increased.
Understanding the Porch Pirate Problem
Package theft typically occurs when delivery drivers leave parcels unattended at residential doorsteps, providing opportunistic thieves with easy targets. The problem affects urban and suburban areas alike, though densely populated cities tend to report higher incidence rates.
The timing of these thefts often coincides with peak delivery hours during weekday afternoons when many homeowners are still at work. Holiday seasons see a particular spike in incidents as package volumes increase and thieves capitalize on the abundance of unattended deliveries.
Protecting Your Deliveries
Security experts recommend several strategies to combat package theft. Installing security cameras or video doorbells can serve as both deterrents and evidence collection tools. Many Canadians are now opting for delivery instructions that specify less visible placement spots or requiring signatures for package acceptance.
Alternative delivery options have gained popularity, including parcel lockers, pickup points at local businesses, or delivery to workplace addresses. Some homeowners are investing in secure parcel boxes that can be installed near entryways, providing a locked container for deliveries when residents aren't home.
The survey results underscore the need for both consumers and delivery companies to adopt more secure practices in the evolving landscape of e-commerce and home delivery services across Canada.
