Did you indulge in Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping?
Did you choose home delivery at the checkout?
If you clicked 'yes' to that option, you may want to take all measures to ensure your new laptop, drone or sweater don't get plundered by porch pirates.
Coquitlam RCMP has received reports of property theft involving delivery packages left unattended by homes, including the one in the above video from Nov. 19.
"Making purchases online has become the new normal. Falling victim to theft should not be," explains RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Paige Kuz in a news release.
"We want to make sure that your loot gets into your hands and not those of a 'Porch Pirate.'
In this instance, a man is seen taking an apparent package from a Coquitlam home and was caught on camera from the owner's surveillance system.
The unknown thief appears to be working alone as he's seen walking further down the street, and police are hoping can help identify him.
He's described as:
- White
- 25 to 35 years
- Slim build
- Wearing...
- Light coloured pants
- Dark coloured jacket
- Baseball hat
Cpl. Kuz adds digital surveillance cameras, when strategically installed near doorways, are of big help to porch pirate investigations and can also act as a deterrent for potential thieves.
"Coquitlam RCMP and surrounding police jurisdictions receive multiple reports of similar thefts daily. This is not a targeted crime, anyone who receives packages at their door is a potential victim."
Mounties have provided the following tips to prevent delivery theft at your own home when unattended:
- Track the package
- Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out
- Request that a signature be required
- Send your packages to your workplace
- Install security cameras (i.e., doorbell cameras)
- Sign up for online accounts with Canada post, or third party locations that can accept packages on your behalf
- Report stolen packages to police
Anyone with more information on the Nov. 19 reported theft, theft in general or related suspicious activity is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
