How to avoid becoming a porch pirate victim this holiday season

As more and more people order items online, the problem of thieves stealing items from front steps and porches has been growing.

Just last week, boxes of medical bandages meant for a 2-year-old boy with a rare medical condition were stolen from a family’s front porch.

With Christmas coming, the amount of online ordering and deliveries is expected to increase, so police have some suggestions on how to keep those precious packages safe.

Sgt. Tonya Gresty with the Saskatoon police said there are options when you order a product that can help.

“One of the things people can do is request that they have a ‘signature required upon delivery’. That makes a big difference, so packages can’t be left on your porch,” said Gresty.

Other tips to avoid having your parcels taken include: signing up for tracking alerts, having your neighbours watch for your items and take them in once they’re delivered, and telling the delivery company to leave your packages on your back porch or in another location where they can’t be seen.