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.

How to Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates
Many retailers, like Amazon and Walmart, now offer the option to have your packages delivered to secure locations. These might include local post offices, delivery lockers, or even fire stations. If you’re already planning a trip to Walmart or another pickup point, it’s a convenient and safe way to get your packages.
When ordering online, you can usually leave special instructions for your delivery driver. Ask them to place your package in a hidden spot, like behind a plant or inside your garage. This makes it harder for thieves to spot and grab your box.
Doorbell cameras are a great way to deter porch pirates. These devices record anyone approaching your front door, and they’ve become more popular as package thefts have increased. Claudiu Popa suggests placing cameras lower than usual so they can capture clear shots of a thief’s face. A visible camera can scare thieves off, while a hidden one can catch them in the act.
Good neighbours can be your best defense against porch pirates. Work out a system where you pick up packages for each other if someone isn’t home. This kind of neighbourhood teamwork can make a big difference in keeping your deliveries safe.
Some retailers offer package replacement policies if your delivery gets stolen. Additionally, certain insurance companies now provide coverage for package theft. While these options won’t stop porch pirates, they can help you recover your losses.
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 here.

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