Public Safety

Police Issue Warning After Rise in Porch Thefts

Toronto police are advising residents to be cautious as package thefts spike in residential neighbourhoods, particularly in the west end.

By Feather Sand Chronicles Editorial Team | April 23, 2025 at 10:44

Toronto Police are issuing a public warning following a significant uptick in package thefts from front porches across several residential neighbourhoods. Over the past month, reports of so-called 'porch pirate' incidents have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

Authorities say the trend is especially pronounced in the west end, with neighbourhoods like High Park, Roncesvalles, and The Junction seeing the largest increases. In most cases, packages are stolen within minutes of delivery, often by individuals trailing delivery trucks in unmarked vehicles.

'It’s a crime of opportunity,' said Constable Amy Singh at a press briefing. 'Thieves are watching for unattended parcels and acting quickly. We’re encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries.'

Among the suggested precautions: scheduling deliveries for times when someone is home, using secure drop boxes or lockers, and requesting signature confirmation when ordering high-value items. Police also advise installing doorbell cameras or motion-activated security lights.

One resident in the west end shared footage from their home security system showing a thief casually walking up the front steps, snatching a package, and driving off—all in under 15 seconds. 'It was surreal. I got the delivery alert and then the theft notification almost at the same time,' she said.

Many victims report feeling violated despite the relatively low financial loss. 'It’s not about the item—it’s the idea that someone walked right up to my front door and took something. It shakes your sense of safety,' said a Bloor West Village homeowner.

Toronto Police are also urging the public to report all incidents, even minor ones. 'Every report helps us build a clearer picture of patterns and hotspots,' said Singh. 'We’re deploying patrols and plainclothes officers in high-theft areas, but we rely on community input too.'

Retailers are stepping in to help address the issue. Several major courier services now offer pickup at local retail partners, and Canada Post continues to expand its FlexDelivery program, allowing packages to be routed to post office counters for collection.

Community organizations are also organizing neighbourhood watch programs and porch patrols during peak delivery hours. In Parkdale, a group of volunteers now does evening rounds and reports suspicious activity through a group chat coordinated with local law enforcement.

Despite these efforts, police acknowledge that enforcement alone won't solve the problem. 'We’re dealing with economic pressures and repeat offenders. It’s part of a larger conversation about security, accountability, and community resilience,' said Singh.

City councillors have begun discussing policy incentives to encourage developers to include secure package storage areas in new multi-unit housing projects. Some buildings already have smart lockers, and officials believe expanding access to such tools could deter theft.

Insurance companies are also monitoring the trend. Some providers have begun offering micro-policies for single-item coverage or bundling home insurance with package protection. Experts say this could become more common if theft rates continue to rise.

For now, residents are urged to stay alert, coordinate with neighbours, and report suspicious behaviour. As one west-end resident put it, 'It’s a hassle, sure—but we’re not helpless. The more eyes on the street, the fewer chances these thieves have to get away with it.'