Holiday Shopping Is Up — and So Is Package Theft
December is the busiest shopping month of the year, and also the worst for delivery theft. After Black Friday, Cyber Monday, soon Boxing Week deals, while more Canadians are shopping online, porch pirates are more active than ever.
Holiday Package Theft Stats in Canada (2025)
- 1 in 3 Canadians have had a package stolen (FedEx).
- 70% of online shoppers worry about package theft.
- Reports spike up to 40% during December.
- Urban areas in Ontario (Toronto, Mississauga, Markham) and Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton) see the highest loss rates.
But theft isn’t just physical — cyber scams and fake retail sites are also rising, making holiday shoppers twice as vulnerable.
The Double Threat: Porch Pirates AND Cyber Scams
Holiday theft isn’t only about someone grabbing a box from your doorstep. Canadians are also reporting:
- Fake delivery texts
- Phishing emails pretending to be Amazon, UPS, Canada Post
- Fraudulent retail sites
- Stolen credit card information
- Hacked online shopping accounts
This makes cyber protection just as important as preventing porch piracy.
Tip: If a text says “Your package is delayed — click here” and you’re not expecting a delivery, don’t click. It’s likely a phishing attempt.
What Is a Porch Pirate?
A porch pirate steals packages left outside your home — often within minutes of delivery. They pick homes that look unmonitored, dimly lit, or have multiple boxes visible.
Does Home Insurance Cover Stolen Packages*?
Sometimes — but there are limitations.
Home, condo and tenant insurance may cover stolen packages under personal property, but only if:
- The item value is high
- You can provide proof of purchase
- The loss exceeds your deductible
For smaller items? Replacement is often faster through the retailer or credit card.
*Important reminder: Coverage can vary widely based on your policy and the circumstances of the loss. If you’re unsure what’s covered, please review your home insurance policy and reach out to your insurance broker or contact our MIB office. We’re here to help you understand your options.
Ways to Recover the Cost of Stolen Packages
- Retailer Replacement: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Indigo, Apple, Sephora and many others offer one-time replacements or refunds for stolen items.
-
Credit Card Purchase Protection: Many premium credit cards cover…
- Theft
- Loss
- Damage
…but only if:
- The purchase was made on that card
- It’s within the policy protection window
- The value is under the card’s coverage limit
- Carrier Claim: FedEx, UPS, Purolator and Canada Post all offer internal investigations and some coverage for insured shipments.
- Police Report: Needed for some retailer or insurance claims.
- Home Insurance* (for high-value losses): Your deductible must be lower than the value of the missing item.
*Important reminder: Coverage can vary widely based on your policy and the circumstances of the loss. If you’re unsure what’s covered, please review your home insurance policy and reach out to your insurance broker or contact our MIB office. We’re here to help you understand your options.
How to Prevent Porch Piracy This Holiday Season
- Install a Video Doorbell or Security Camera: Visible cameras deter thieves instantly.
- Use Motion Lights: Pirates prefer dark entryways.
- Use Pick-up Locations: Amazon Lockers, Canada Post Flex Delivery, Carrier depots, Parcel rooms (condos), Workplace delivery
- Add Delivery Instructions: Ask drivers to leave packages, such as behind a column, behind a planter, in a parcel lockbox or by your garage side door
- Use a Secure Delivery Box: A lockable porch box stops quick theft.
- Track Your Deliveries: The shorter the package sits outside, the lower the risk.
Cyber Protection Reminder: Holiday Shopping Edition
Porch pirates are only one part of the problem. Cyber criminals are extremely active during December.
Watch out for:
- Fake shipping notifications
- Fraudulent Amazon/Canada Post texts
- Fake retail websites
- “Limited time offer” scam ads
- Fake social media shops
- Malware links disguised as discounts
Protect yourself by:
- Using strong passwords
- Enabling 2FA on Amazon, PayPal, Apple, Google
- Only shopping on known secure sites
- Checking URLs for misspellings
- Never clicking text-message delivery links
- Using credit cards (NOT debit) for online purchases
- Checking bank statements weekly
If your financial info is stolen, your home insurance may include optional cyber coverage. Ask your insurance broker whether you're protected.
Final Thought
Holiday shopping should feel joyful — not stressful. With a few simple steps, you can protect both your deliveries and your personal information from seasonal thieves.
Not sure if your home or tenant insurance covers package theft or cyber risks? A MIB broker can help you review your policy and close any gaps.