Since online shopping exploded onto the scene, there’s been the problem of porch pirates helping themselves to deliveries that are left at your door.
Timmins Police communications coordinator Marc Depatie says it happens all year, but Christmas is the busiest.
He has a list of tips to prevent you from being scammed by porch piracy.
“Insist on a signature at the point of delivery, he says. “That way, you know who has in face received your package.”
Other advice is to alert a neighbour who might be home at the time of delivery to retrieve your package before a porch pirate does, or have it delivered to your workplace.
“We also recommend the use of doorbell cameras or some other safety features that will at least help the police capture a glimpse of the person who made off with your treasures.”
That’s not a guarantee of recovering those treasures, but Depatie says it will help identify the thief.
And if you see someone lurking around your neighbourhood, call police. Depatie says at the very least, officers can determine the legitimacy of them being there.
Listen to our full interview below, for Depatie’s full list of advice.