According to FedEx Express Canada, the shipping and courier company has been operating at peak capacity since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring.
The reason is more Canadians than ever before are turning to online shopping.
“What we’re now experiencing now is a peak on peak, or what we call, tongue-and-cheek, the ship-a-thon,” said FedEx communications advisor James Anderson.
“Where it’s record volumes in our network, across Canada and around the world.”
But more packages mean more opportunities for porch pirates, or thieves that steal packages left by couriers at customers’ homes.
Anderson says a FedEx survey of 1,500 Canadians revealed that these crimes are on the rise.
“Last year, our survey found one in four Canadians were victims of a package theft at their door,” Anderson said.
“This year, that’s up to 33 per cent, or roughly one in three of our respondents.”
There are ways to avoid having a package left on your porch become ripe for the taking.
That includes using shipping company apps to change where your package is going or to simply track it to ensure you’re home to receive it when it arrives.
“The solution is on your phone or computer. We have digital solutions to empower package recipients to have their package held or redirected to a location of their choosing,” Anderson added.
Other options can also include installing security or doorbell cameras or lockboxes.
Police are reminding residents to be aware of porch pirates and to take the necessary precautions to ensure their packages aren’t swiped.
“It doesn’t take long for these crimes to happen,” said Peterborough County OPP const. Joe Ayotte. “As soon as that delivery is made, you get a notification, so make sure you’re there to grab it or have someone grab it for you.”
“We’re also asking residents to report any suspicious activity in neighbourhoods,” added Peterborough Police Service spokesperson Sandra Dueck. “If you see someone checking homes, either on foot or slowly driving by in a vehicle, or even following a delivery van, call police.
Police say no matter the value of the package that’s stolen, the best course of action is to report it.
And if you’d prefer to shop at the mall or at stores, police are reminding you to always lock your vehicle and to keep all gifts and personal belongings out of sight.
- Gas station clerk stabbed several times during violent attack at Ultramar in Montreal
- Canada’s most wanted list: Toronto suspect in fatal shooting at No. 1
- Man acquitted in Tina Fontaine murder found dead, says her aunt
- Canadians should expect politicians to support right to bail, Virani’s office says
Comments