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Package Thieves

Package Thieves

someguy
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422

someguy
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422

Package Thieves
12/11/2020 at 9:09 AM

Be on the lookout for a red/burgundy Toyota minivan as the two occupants are stealing packages from doorsteps. I witnessed them but wasn’t able to get a picture unfortunately.

Edited by someguy, 2020-12-11 09:11:38
Silverli
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 63

Silverli
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 63

Bob FM
12/11/2020 at 9:52 AM

Might have been Bob FM Toyota full of toys. They are doing porch pick ups. I know it's a Toyota minivan, but I'm not sure what color. Could call 204-728-1150 ext. 250 to ask if they were on your street
someguy
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422

someguy
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422

nope
12/11/2020 at 10:32 AM

I know what I saw and it wasn’t that.
Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

December 10
12/11/2020 at 10:44 AM

We are missing two packages that were apparently delivered to our front step yesterday. If they don’t turn up today due to a delivery error, we will call the police.

Pretty brazen as we were home all day.
1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

.
12/11/2020 at 10:51 AM

Also had a package stolen. Was handmade gifts for my newborn from his great grandma. It was delivered but was feeding my baby. Less than 15 minutes later it was gone. Shows a male and female drive by, stop in the road and reverse back to the front of my home.. passenger hops out and swipes the package and they’re off. Just don’t understand people. Hope all these idiots are caught.
Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Such a shame ...
12/11/2020 at 11:02 AM

1wrangler3 said "Also had a package stolen. Was handmade gifts for my newborn from his great grandma. It was delivered but was feeding my baby. Less than 15 minutes later it was gone. Shows a male and female drive by, stop in the road and reverse back to the front of my home.. passenger hops out and swipes the package and they’re off. Just don’t understand people. Hope all these idiots are caught. "
Did you get the make, model and/or colour of their vehicle?
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Package drop-off
12/11/2020 at 11:13 AM

Would really like to see a more strict policy on parcel drop-offs in plain site. Had a $1900 computer left on my doorstep last month in open view, no signature or anything needed. House down the street yesterday had a big 5 foot tall box sitting on the front doorstep for a good chunk of the day. In my case if something went South, the security camera footage would go a long way but I feel like this whole thing is problem that's only going to get worse (just wait until we start seeing drone deliveries!).
Someone with more experience in the delivery world could probably give a different perspective, but I'm guessing its a tricky balancing act since every signature is a slowdown in the route!
vegimite
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 686

vegimite
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 686

Surely
12/11/2020 at 11:34 AM

the answer is that the item is not left on the step but a card notifying that the item will be available for collection, on proof of identity, at a local address. Perhaps the delivery companies sorting house.
Possibly even the delivery companies could set up premises where collections could be made from a variety of such companies.
Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Policy
12/11/2020 at 11:59 AM

Adam said "
Would really like to see a more strict policy on parcel drop-offs in plain site. Had a $1900 computer left on my doorstep last month in open view, no signature or anything needed. House down the street yesterday had a big 5 foot tall box sitting on the front doorstep for a good chunk of the day. In my case if something went South, the security camera footage would go a long way but I feel like this whole thing is problem that's only going to get worse (just wait until we start seeing drone deliveries!).
Someone with more experience in the delivery world could probably give a different perspective, but I'm guessing its a tricky balancing act since every signature is a slowdown in the route!
"
I’ve seen a definite loosening of delivery policy since the pandemic. I haven’t had to physically sign for a package and sometimes delivery drivers don’t ring the doorbell while leaving one on the front step.

On the other hand, I don’t like to have to go pickup a package at the post office, etc. as that negates the whole purpose of purchasing online - staying home and away from crowded lines.

There has to be a happy medium.
2020sucks
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 18

2020sucks
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 18

Work
12/11/2020 at 12:05 PM

I have had my packages delivered to my work in the past. Always somebody there to receive package instead of being left on the step. I know this won’t work for everyone but it works for me and may be an option for others. Also I think with most carriers you can set it up for signature required. Then if you aren’t home you can pick up at their location. Well you used to be able to, not sure about now.

Edited by 2020sucks, 2020-12-11 12:08:39
daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

Packages on my step are for me not you.
12/11/2020 at 12:22 PM

I came home from work yesterday and my wife tells me that she thinks we just about lost a package. Doorbell rang and she was at the other side of the house. It took a couple minutes to stop what she was doing and go open the door. She seen the neighbor from two houses away coming up to our door as we had a package just delivered. She stands there and watches him get closer to our door he then sees her and turns and hurry’s back to his house. She couldn’t believe it as he never said a word to her as she said hello to him. I told her well I guess if we have one go missing I know who’s door I will be knocking on. If it’s on my step it’s for me or for my family not you. It’s not yours so don’t touch. Pretty low of people to come and take others property. My daughter had food taken off the front step from where she lives. She said she could still smell the food so must have just missed the person taking her food for her family.
Sco
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 177

Sco
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 177

time
12/11/2020 at 12:45 PM

To get a dog. Fortunately we’ve never had this happen but if I ever saw anyone approaching my house to steal something they’d be meeting my Lab pretty damn quick. No calling him off either. He can come back inside when he’s finished
HAGD
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 228

HAGD
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 228

Porch Pirates
12/11/2020 at 2:00 PM

On Wpg's new last nite they were showing some thieves caught on tape from home cameras, and the news suggested when anyone orders to request a signature, course then u'd have to got pick it up, which is better than supporting the porch pirates.
I have always had to sign. When not home then off to 34th west-end 7-11 to pick it up as that is my nearest pick-up. Worth asking for a request of signature because it is only going to get worse, givin the holiday season

Happy Hanakah all
Stay safe
Flutterby

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

Flutterby
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1554

12/11/2020 at 2:14 PM

If only I was in Brandon.

This sounds like the most perfect business opportunity. There would be simple ways to set up a simple, safe & secure safe drop off service for people to use. It wouldn't take much to put one together.

Maybe someone in the city could start up something (with insurance, which is important of course with any business). It could have very good potential to grow.

It could be a perfect opportunity for a stay at home mom or two to look into & put together. You would have to do all of your research, & figure out all of the costs & permits, & put together a good business plan...but that's just part of the work. Normally, SAHM are looking for ideas. Here is one...dropped in your lap. That *hardly ever* happens.

Edited by Flutterby, 2020-12-11 14:17:49
Ms. Kit
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 102

Ms. Kit
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 102

2222
12/11/2020 at 2:56 PM

I have had issues with a delivery service before. Both times I was home and I get email saying they tried to deliver but no one home. Not true. They didn’t ring my apt # so just left. How are people supposed to know they are there if they don’t ring doorbell or apt. I contacted company and lady said delivery people don’t ring to let you know they are there. I have mobility issues so very difficult for me to go pick up. They did come back and ring my apt # but only because I really complained.
mikestang
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 463

mikestang
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 463

Accountability
12/11/2020 at 3:05 PM

There is a complete and total lack of accountability in Canada.
If folks were held responsible for their actions, theft would drop dramatically. Easy peasy.
JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

I had this happen
12/11/2020 at 3:21 PM

Ms. Kit said "I have had issues with a delivery service before. Both times I was home and I get email saying they tried to deliver but no one home. Not true. They didn’t ring my apt # so just left. How are people supposed to know they are there if they don’t ring doorbell or apt. I contacted company and lady said delivery people don’t ring to let you know they are there. I have mobility issues so very difficult for me to go pick up. They did come back and ring my apt # but only because I really complained. "
Had this a couple times, especially when the weather is bad. I didn't even get a pick up slip to go and get my parcel. I got an email from the shipper saying it was delivered and had to get a hold of canada post just to find out it was at the post office to go pick up.
Meteor Garden
Joined: Before 2007
Posts: 303

Meteor Garden
Joined: Before 2007
Posts: 303

.
12/11/2020 at 3:46 PM

One day we had a recliner delivered, they left it sitting in a box at the end of our driveway. Very lucky it wasn’t stolen!
Trevor B

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Trevor B
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Another
12/11/2020 at 5:41 PM

option is to use Canada Post FlexDelivery. It goes directly to a Canada Post retailer like Shoppers Drug Mart and others. Also if shipped through Fedex or UPS, you can specify to goes to their depot where you go and pick it up.

Or someone should make a delivery box where packages that are delivered are put in and the lid is closed that can only be opened by you.
HelpfulAvocado
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7

HelpfulAvocado
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7

Also recommend FlexDelivery - it’s FREE!
12/13/2020 at 3:53 PM

It was FREE to set up and works for most of my incoming parcels - I just provide a PO Box address at one of the Canada Post locations, and the package is held there without attempted home delivery.

FlexDelivery isn’t compatible with courier compnies like FedEx, UPS but these usually give the option to hold at their own locations as well if you are proactive about managing deliveries online while in transit.

Recently I shipped to someone in the US and they gave a UPS mailbox address, likely rented for a fee.

Edited by HelpfulAvocado, 2020-12-13 15:56:05
landlocked
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 76

landlocked
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 76

the
12/14/2020 at 1:09 AM

vegimite said "the answer is that the item is not left on the step but a card notifying that the item will be available for collection, on proof of identity, at a local address. Perhaps the delivery companies sorting house.
Possibly even the delivery companies could set up premises where collections could be made from a variety of such companies. "
point of ordering online is to receive the items at my door, otherwise id just go to the store. parcels from family is a bit different of course, but id prefer not to have to mess around with lineups etc. what should happen is anyone caught stealing should have stiffer penalties than a slap on the wrist but we know how good the judicial system is lol
tomi
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 93

tomi
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 93

I am
12/14/2020 at 7:10 AM

retired and since the pandemic, I'm home almost all the time. My complaint is that packages have been left on my step without any doorbell being rang. I understand these drivers are extremely busy and don't have time to stand around waiting for someone to answer the door or sign for a package, but if they would at least ring the bell, I'd have a chance to beat the thieves to the package.
GetRec'd
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 234

GetRec'd
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 234

...
12/14/2020 at 7:52 AM

Adam said "
Would really like to see a more strict policy on parcel drop-offs in plain site. Had a $1900 computer left on my doorstep last month in open view, no signature or anything needed. House down the street yesterday had a big 5 foot tall box sitting on the front doorstep for a good chunk of the day. In my case if something went South, the security camera footage would go a long way but I feel like this whole thing is problem that's only going to get worse (just wait until we start seeing drone deliveries!).
Someone with more experience in the delivery world could probably give a different perspective, but I'm guessing its a tricky balancing act since every signature is a slowdown in the route!
"
I've experienced the exact same thing. Brand new gaming PC just left setting in front of my place. One of the busiest streets in town (and not regarded as a "safe" area to just leave things sitting...though that's mostly bluster).

Definitely need to see some sort of policy on just leaving parcels sitting on the sidewalk.
Dange
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 252

Dange
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 252

The porch pirates
12/14/2020 at 9:41 AM

actually follow the local delivery vehicles around. They recognize a delivery vehicle and they hang back nd wait for their opportunity. Maybe a strategically placed call to police and the police actually doing something about it?
Disco
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 233

Disco
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 233

We called the sending company once......
12/14/2020 at 9:59 AM

We had two large packages taken right from our front step (actually waved and smiled at neighbor while stealing so she thought nothing of it and asked us if we left something out for a purchaser). We called the company and explained what happened and they just shipped out another order. We did not have to prove theft with a police report or anything. Company said they have a percentage of packages stolen and it is built into the pricing model to account for this "shrinkage".

I assume most companies are aware of this trend but it also begs the question of integrity. I can purchase $100 of goods, sell for $50 then call the company and tell them to ship again because last one was stolen.

Much like our car insurance and store purchases, the honest people pay higher prices to make up for the dishonest and thieves.

Side note, with all the deliveries coming to our house the last week, I did notice one courier takes a picture of the package at the front door before leaving to prove it was delivered.
Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Dear Rosemary
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24

Good news ...
12/14/2020 at 5:48 PM

Dear Rosemary said "We are missing two packages that were apparently delivered to our front step yesterday. If they don’t turn up today due to a delivery error, we will call the police.

Pretty brazen as we were home all day. "
Turns out that the packages we were missing were delivered to the wrong address. We received a call today from the business that received them in error. Thanks to Gardewine for going to the trouble of finding and contacting us. And thanks to Andrew for picking them up ! : )
Millenial
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 212

Millenial
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 212

This has been an increasing issue.
12/14/2020 at 9:16 PM

Like 5.3 said in the post above mine, this has been a serious problem that has been getting worse over the past several years or so.

I am fortunate enough to live in a location with one of those permanent Canada Post mailboxes, so at least if I order something of reasonable size and it is delivered by Canada Post, it will end up in one of the parcel cubbies.

Just today I had a friend tell me that the UPS delivery driver left the iMac she had purchased on her front step, though at least he had the courtesy to ring the doorbell. I have had delivery people not even ring the bell, and the only way I knew that I had a parcel was that I heard a slight ruckus outside.

I'm not sure if delivery companies are no longer training their employees to collect signatures/ensure someone answers the door, or if these delivery drivers are just brazen enough to not care about proper delivery etiquette.
Mac72
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 713

Mac72
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 713

Choice
12/14/2020 at 10:14 PM

If you order a parcel track it I've had several parcels - UPS Purolator and canada post all send tracking # to email . I track them all.
When you place order pay the extra for signature required especially on something high end .

Edited by Mac72, 2020-12-14 22:15:15
Kida

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Kida
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Feel like we are the only honest people left
12/16/2020 at 1:19 AM

We had a package delivered to us by mistake, we looked up the name and contacted the person. as it turns out it was her lively hood as she sold the merchandise.

There wasn't thought of keeping something that wasn't ours and it wasn't even Christmas.
Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

....
12/16/2020 at 6:45 AM

Millenial said "Like 5.3 said in the post above mine, this has been a serious problem that has been getting worse over the past several years or so.

I am fortunate enough to live in a location with one of those permanent Canada Post mailboxes, so at least if I order something of reasonable size and it is delivered by Canada Post, it will end up in one of the parcel cubbies.

Just today I had a friend tell me that the UPS delivery driver left the iMac she had purchased on her front step, though at least he had the courtesy to ring the doorbell. I have had delivery people not even ring the bell, and the only way I knew that I had a parcel was that I heard a slight ruckus outside.

I'm not sure if delivery companies are no longer training their employees to collect signatures/ensure someone answers the door, or if these delivery drivers are just brazen enough to not care about proper delivery etiquette. "
With Covid there is no signature required anymore.

Let's look at the other side. My buddy worked for Purlolator. His truck was filled with roughly 200 stops for the day. That isn't packages. It could be 4 boxes at one stop. So in his truck there were hundreds of packages from small envelopes to big screen tvs. On top of that he had about 100 pick ups to do in a day too. So for him to sit there and drag every package up to the door, wait for you to answer, or not even home, it is very time consuming on the driver. If you know you are not going to be home when you purchase something, don't get it delivered to your house. Or what he did at his own house was had a large box at the door and a lock. The courier would put his package in, lock the box, keep on going. When he got home he unlocked the box and took his package. Simple. People with mobility issues living in an apartment, heck it might take you 5 minutes to get to the door, it isn't fair to expect the guy to sit there and wait for you. Maybe a simpler solution would be if someone in your area is home all the time and willing, have packages sent to them instead, or what some are doing, ship to your work.