© Can Stock Photo / Hannamariah© Can Stock Photo / Hannamariah
Windsor

Crime Stoppers takes aim at 'porch pirates'

So you have finished your Christmas shopping online, and you are just waiting for the packages to arrive, except they never do.

You have been hit by a "porch pirate", someone who steals packages off of other people's front porches soon after they were delivered.

It is a scenario that is becoming more prevalent as more and more Canadians shop online, and Crime Stoppers in Windsor-Essex has launched a new initiative to crack down on it.

"Due to the fact that Christmas is coming up and we are seeing an increase in deliveries of special gifts on the front porches, our board of directors approved this to combat this crime," said Constable Amanda Allen, the Ontario Provincial Police coordinator with Crime Stoppers Windsor and Essex County.

The best thing residents can do to avoid being a victim said Allen is to take steps to crime-proof your deliveries.

"Require a signature for your packages, have somebody at home to receive the gift, so the packages aren't left on the porch unsupervised," she advised. "Cameras help. They're a slight deterrent, and they help after the fact with identifying the suspects."

Neighbours can help each other too.

"Our slogan this year has been 'see something, say something,'" said Allen. "Criminals do not want to be seen. If you see suspicious activity, please report it. Call police at the time. 911 is always there for emergencies, but know the local non-emergency number for your local police as well. Everybody should have those numbers on their phone."

She also recommends anyone who knows of someone committing the crime call police or Crime Stoppers and report them. Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 519-258-8477 or online at www.catchcrooks.com.

Read More Local Stories