Your online order might be at risk before you even get home. Package theft—often called porch piracy—has become an increasingly common crime in Ottawa neighbourhoods. As online shopping continues to grow, so do opportunities for thieves.
Protecting yourself from package theft requires understanding how these criminals operate and taking proactive steps to secure your deliveries.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Package theft increases during holiday season and throughout the year as online shopping grows. Prevention strategies include delivery instructions, secure pickup locations, package lockers, and doorbell cameras. Report thefts to police and the retailer—some offer replacement or refunds.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Peak Season | November - December |
| 📍 Targets | Unattended doorsteps |
| 🎟️ Prevention | Multiple strategies available |
| ⏰ Report To | Ottawa Police, Retailer |
How Package Theft Happens
Porch Pirates
The typical scenario:
How They Operate:
- Follow delivery trucks
- Scout neighbourhoods during day
- Quick grab-and-go approach
- Target visible packages
- Often drive through checking porches
Peak Times:
- Weekdays when residents work
- Shortly after delivery
- Holiday shopping season
- Good weather (more deliveries)
Opportunistic Theft
Less organized but common:
Situations:
- Walking by and seeing package
- Familiar with neighbourhood patterns
- Know when residents are away
- Theft of convenience
Illustrative image only.
Prevention Strategies
Delivery Options
Use available services:
Canada Post:
- FlexDelivery: free pickup at post office
- Signature required option
- Delivery instructions
- Hold at post office
Major Couriers:
- UPS Access Points
- FedEx Hold at Location
- Purolator pickup points
- Delivery time windows
Amazon:
- Amazon Hub Lockers
- Key by Amazon (where available)
- Delivery day selection
- Specific delivery instructions
Delivery Instructions
Be specific:
Good Instructions:
- “Leave behind planter”
- “Side door, not visible from street”
- “Garage if open, otherwise front door”
- “Ring doorbell and leave in covered area”
Considerations:
- Choose less visible locations
- Protect from weather
- Be specific about where
Pickup Alternatives
Don’t have it delivered home:
Options:
- Workplace delivery (if allowed)
- Friend or family member home
- Parcel lockers at retailers
- PO Box (for eligible items)
- Building mail room (if available)
Technology Solutions
Doorbell Cameras
Video doorbell benefits:
Features:
- See who’s at your door
- Record deliveries and theft
- Two-way communication
- Motion alerts
- Evidence for police
Considerations:
- Visible placement may deter
- Cloud storage for recordings
- Privacy of neighbours
- Wi-Fi reliability
Security Cameras
Broader coverage:
Benefits:
- Multiple angles
- Capture vehicle plates
- Neighbourhood watch sharing
- Evidence collection
Placement:
- Cover front door area
- Capture street if possible
- Visible as deterrent
Package Lockboxes
Secure delivery containers:
Options:
- Locking porch boxes
- Delivery-activated locks
- Hard-sided containers
- Instructions for couriers
Illustrative image only.
During Holiday Season
Extra Precautions
When package volume increases:
Timing:
- Track all shipments
- Be home for valuable deliveries
- Schedule deliveries for weekends if possible
- Collect packages immediately when home
Volume Management:
- Don’t let packages accumulate
- Request consolidated shipping
- Know what’s coming and when
- Alert neighbours to watch
After Holiday
Post-Christmas concerns:
Box Disposal:
- Break down boxes (don’t advertise purchases)
- Recycle discretely
- Don’t leave TV/electronics boxes at curb
- Shred shipping labels
Community Approaches
Neighbourhood Watch
Community protection:
Strategies:
- Neighbours collect for each other
- Share doorbell camera footage
- Report suspicious activity
- Community social media groups
Communication:
- Text when expecting delivery
- Share video of suspicious persons
- Coordinate pickup assistance
Building Solutions
Multi-unit dwellings:
Options:
- Mail rooms with package areas
- Locker systems
- Concierge services
- Buzz-in requirements
If Theft Happens
Immediate Steps
What to do:
- Check thoroughly—package may be hidden
- Verify with carrier—confirm delivery
- Check with neighbours—may have been misdelivered
- Review camera footage if available
- Report to Ottawa Police: 613-236-1222
Documentation
For reports and claims:
- Screenshot delivery confirmation
- Save tracking information
- Download camera footage
- Note date, time, item description
- Photos of delivery location
Seeking Replacement
Contact retailers and carriers:
Retailers:
- Many will replace or refund
- File claim through their process
- Provide police report if available
- Document communication
Credit Card:
- Some cards offer purchase protection
- File claim within required timeframe
- May cover stolen items
Reporting to Police
How to Report
Ottawa Police Service:
- Online reporting for thefts under $5,000
- Non-emergency: 613-236-1222
- Provide all documentation
- Include video if available
Why Report
Even if item seems small:
- Helps track patterns
- Identifies problem areas
- Supports resource allocation
- May connect to larger theft operation
- Creates official record
Retailer Policies
Common Policies
Know what protection exists:
Amazon:
- Generally replaces stolen packages
- May require police report
- Multiple incidents may flag account
- Driver photo delivery evidence
Major Retailers:
- Policies vary
- Many offer one-time courtesy replacement
- May require signature for future orders
Your Responsibility
What retailers expect:
- Reasonable delivery instructions
- Timely pickup or retrieval
- Honest reporting
- Cooperation with investigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will police investigate package theft? A: Police take reports and investigate when possible, especially with video evidence. However, small package thefts may not receive intensive investigation. Reporting still helps track patterns.
Q: Should I require signature for all packages? A: Signature requirement means package won’t be left if you’re not home. Consider for valuable items, but may be inconvenient for routine deliveries.
Q: Can I sue someone caught stealing my package? A: Theft is a criminal matter handled by police and courts. Civil recovery for the item value is theoretically possible but often impractical for small amounts.
Q: Do doorbell cameras actually prevent theft? A: Studies suggest visible cameras deter some thieves. Even when theft occurs, footage helps police and supports replacement claims.
Q: Is it safe to leave delivery instructions publicly? A: Keep instructions reasonably private. “Leave behind large planter” is fine. Don’t include information like “We work 9-5” or “Leave in unlocked garage.”
Final Thoughts
Package theft is frustrating but largely preventable with thoughtful planning. The convenience of online shopping doesn’t have to come with the anxiety of wondering if your packages will still be there when you get home.
Use available delivery options, consider technology solutions, and work with neighbours to create a less attractive environment for porch pirates. When theft does happen, report it—you’re helping protect your whole community.
The few extra steps to secure deliveries are worth far less than the hassle of replacing stolen items and the violation of having your property taken.
Source: Ottawa Police Service, Canada Post, Consumer Protection Ontario - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
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