How to Outsmart Porch Pirates: A Guide to Keeping Your Packages Safe

Online shopping has become a part of our daily lives, but with it comes the risk of package theft. Porch pirates—thieves who steal packages left on porches or doorsteps—are an increasing problem, costing people billions of dollars each year. Fortunately, there are practical ways to protect your deliveries and keep them secure.

What is a porch pirate?

A porch pirate is someone who steals packages left outside homes. These thieves often scout neighbourhoods looking for unattended deliveries. Over time, their methods have become more sophisticated. They exploit delivery notifications by hacking into email accounts or simply observing when delivery trucks stop at homes, timing their thefts to grab packages as soon as they are delivered.
According to Claudiu Popa, founder of KnowledgeFlow and a privacy and cybersecurity expert, one-fifth of Canadians have fallen victim to porch piracy. In the United States, these thieves have stolen over $12 billion worth of goods in a single year. These staggering numbers highlight how serious this problem has become.

Porch Pirate blog image 2

How to Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates

Don’t Forget to Report Porch Piracy

One of the biggest issues with porch piracy is that many people don’t report it. If your package gets stolen, report it to the police and your delivery company. Some police departments even allow you to upload security footage to help catch thieves. Sharing this information can help your community stay safe and make it harder for porch pirates to get away with their crimes.

Building Stronger Communities

One unexpected result of the rise in porch piracy is that it’s bringing neighbours closer together. People are looking out for each other more, picking up packages, and staying in touch about deliveries. This kind of community support is a silver lining in an otherwise frustrating situation.

next Steps

Porch piracy is a growing problem, but you don’t have to be a victim. By using secure delivery options, installing cameras, and working with your neighbours, you can outsmart these thieves and keep your packages safe. Staying vigilant and reporting thefts not only protects you but also helps your entire community. Together, we can create safer neighbourhoods and put an end to porch piracy. Next time you shop online, remember these tips to keep your packages secure. For more insights, listen to the full interview with Claudiu Popa ici.

Claudiu popa linkedin
porch pirate blog image 2 jan 10 rabia ejaz 1

You can also watch a CTV News video featuring Claudiu Popa, founder of KnowledgeFlow, discussing porch piracy ici.

Postes similaires