By Better Business Bureau

With holiday shopping in full swing, Canadians are filling their carts with online deals, and so are porch pirates, who are on the lookout for packages left unattended.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mainland BC is reminding shoppers to take simple steps to keep their holiday deliveries safe.

“The convenience of online shopping brings purchases straight to our doors, but it’s important to protect those packages from opportunistic thieves,” said Neesha Hothi, Director of Marketing & Communications for BBB serving Mainland BC. “We’re committed to providing our community with straightforward tips to shop smart and keep the holidays hassle-free.”

Porch pirates often cruise neighbourhoods searching for visible packages left on doorsteps, striking quickly and sometimes returning to the same area multiple times. Here’s how to make your home a tougher target.

BBB’s tips to prevent package theft:

• Don’t leave packages unattended.
  Schedule deliveries for when someone is home, or ask a trusted neighbour to pick them up. Some retailers also offer secure in-garage or locker delivery options to keep items out of sight.
  2) Ship to a store, your office or post office box.
  Opt for in-store pickup, a nearby delivery locker, delivery to your work address or a P.O. box if theft is common in your area. The small extra effort can prevent a major headache later.
  3) Customize your delivery instructions.
  Leave clear notes for delivery drivers to place packages in discreet or less visible locations, like behind a plant or porch railing.
  4) Install a security camera or video doorbell.
  Visible cameras or video doorbells are a strong deterrent, and instant alerts let you know when a delivery has arrived. Always research privacy and security features before purchasing.
  5) Require a signature for valuable items.
  This ensures packages aren’t left unattended and minimizes risk. Check your carrier’s policies for signature-required options.
  6) Opt in to deliver notifications.
  Sign up for real-time tracking alerts from retailers and couriers so you can monitor your package’s journey. It’s like having a virtual watchdog for your doorstep.

For more consumer protection resources and delivery safety tips, visitBBB’s Avoid Package Theft page.

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