The holidays are here, and so are the porch pirates.
Alberta RCMP say mail thefts often increase during Christmas months.
Last year, police reported about 1000 mail thefts, and of those, just over 580 happened during the months of December and January.
In order to keep your porch and its contents safe this Christmas, RCMP advise planning to have someone home when deliveries arrive, checking your mail every day, and if you’re going to be away, to think about taking advantage of Canada Post’s Hold Mail Service.
Online shoppers should also be tracking their purchases often, as Mounties say scammers try to send emails requesting payment or fees for things like delivery and overdue payments.
They say if you receive a fishy email, try calling the company to confirm using their official contact information from their website.
Other ways to not fall victim this Christmas include keeping your yard and porch well lit, and ensure it’s visible to the road and your neighbours.
Additionally, the RCMP is “strongly recommending” the use of doorbell cameras and motion sensor lights as a deterrent for any would-be thieves, and if they are bold enough to steal your package in front of a camera, the footage can be utilized in a police investigation.
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