It’s the season for gift giving, and the ever-growing popularity of online shopping means more and more packages at people’s doorsteps — and more and more chances to steal.
That’s why Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers are putting a bounty on “porch pirates.” During the month of December, tips from the public that lead to the identification of package thieves or to the recovery of stolen property will be rewarded $250.
“If people know somebody who is responsible for this, or we can recover some priceless Christmas presents, then certainly, Crime Stoppers board of directors want to do their part to help,” says Amanda Allen, police coordinator with Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers.
Stealing deliveries from porches wasn’t always so attractive to criminals. But these days, the targets are more abundant than ever: Last year, Canadians spent an estimated $1.7 billion online in the month of December alone, according to Statistics Canada.
Cameras are not the be all and end all
However, thwarting “porch piracy” isn’t just about tipping off police. Allen points to some simple measures online shoppers can take to prevent theft.
For example: Requiring a signature for packages so they that won’t be left unattended on doorsteps. Of course, that requires someone to be home at the time of delivery. “Not necessarily you,” Allen says. “It can be a friend or family member. Ask for help from somebody you know.”
And who says packages need to be delivered to you home? Allen suggests use of a delivery locker or a pickup location, or perhaps having items delivered to your workplace.
“I would hope that it’s not that inconvenient,” Allen says.
Finally, if you’re willing to invest in home security, consider adding surveillance cameras or motion-activated lighting to ward off thieves.
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But are such measures actually a deterrent? YouTube is filled with surveillance video recordings of “porch pirates” who don’t seem to care that they’re caught on camera — They’re stealing regardless.
“Cameras are not the be all and end all,” Allen admits. “But there are those thieves who will look at a residential unit and say, ‘Well, that one has a camera, and that one doesn’t.’ Which one are they going to pick?”
Anyone with information about “porch pirate” incidents can make an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.