LUXER ONE BLOG

Porch Pirates: Unmasking the Impact on Canada’s Communities

In the age of convenience and online shopping, the rise of “porch pirates” has become a growing concern for Canadian communities. These modern-day thieves are opportunistic individuals who prey on unattended parcels left on doorsteps, pilfering deliveries meant for hardworking Canadians.

Explore how the presence of porch pirates has impacted communities across Canada, with a staggering statistic revealing that one in four of Canadian residents have experienced lost parcels due to this prevalent issue.

Financial Loss and Inconvenience

The financial toll of porch piracy is not to be underestimated. With more and more Canadians opting for online shopping, the value of parcels left unattended on porches can be substantial. When these parcels fall into the hands of thieves, it results in direct financial loss for both consumers and retailers.

Replacing stolen items, particularly during peak shopping seasons, can be a significant burden for individuals and businesses alike. Moreover, the inconvenience caused by delayed or missing parcels can disrupt daily life and leave a lasting negative impression on customers.

Erosion of Trust

Porch piracy not only robs individuals of their purchases but also erodes the trust between consumers and retailers. With the statistic revealing that one in four Canadian residents have fallen victim to porch pirates, customers may lose confidence in the reliability of online shopping and the safety of their neighborhoods. This decline in trust can lead to a drop in sales for retailers and negatively impact the growth of e-commerce—a vital sector of Canada’s economy.

Strains on Law Enforcement

The rise in porch piracy incidents has also placed strain on law enforcement agencies across Canada. While this may not be classified as a high-priority crime, the cumulative effect of numerous thefts can significantly burden local police departments.

Dealing with porch piracy diverts resources from other essential community policing efforts, making it challenging to address other issues that might require more urgent attention.

Community Security Concerns

Beyond financial losses and inconvenience, porch piracy raises broader security concerns for communities. Thieves casing neighborhoods for unattended parcels may also be scoping out homes for potential break-ins.

FedEx Canada reported in recent years that 69% of online shoppers across Canada are worried about stolen packages. With an ever-increasing potential for stolen parcels communities can quickly develop an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among residents, impacting their sense of safety within their own homes.

Preventive Measures and Community Awareness

To combat porch piracy, it is essential for communities to come together and implement preventive measures. Here are some steps that can be taken:

1. Choose Delivery Options Wisely: Opt for delivery options that allow for package tracking, signature confirmation, or delivery to secure pickup locations.

2. Install Security Cameras: Consider installing security cameras that can deter thieves and aid in identifying perpetrators for you and even your neighbors.

3. Neighborhood Watch Programs: Collaborate with neighbors to establish a neighborhood watch program, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity and supporting one another.

4. Request Secure Delivery Options: You shouldn’t have to worry about your packages while at work. 24/7 accessible smart lockers or parcel rooms, such as those from Luxer One, provide a secure option for your parcels to be stored until you can get to them.

Porch piracy poses a significant challenge to Canadian communities, impacting consumers, retailers, law enforcement, and overall community security. With global online shopping expected to increase by 7% over the next 3 years it’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue and implement preventive measures.

Many multifamily communities across Canada are turning to smart parcel lockers as a safe and secure option for parcel deliveries. Luxer One Smart Lockers offer a cutting-edge solution to eliminate parcel theft in multifamily properties across Canada.

Our easily accessible lockers and secure parcel rooms provide a safe and reliable alternative to traditional deliveries left unattended. With 24/7 monitoring through high-quality cameras and 12-gauge steel these lockers bring peace of mind to residents and staff alike!

Enhance resident satisfaction, reduce strain on staff, and contribute to a safer community today with Luxer One’s Parcel Management Solutions. Get Started Today!

Christina Draper

Christina Draper, Marketing Content Manager at Luxer One, creates storytelling-driven content that connects with property management professionals and highlights innovations in multifamily package management. With a marketing background from UNC Charlotte, she develops cross-channel campaigns that showcase how Luxer One is redefining the resident experience.

See Posts

How to Prepare Your Smart Lockers for the Cold Weather

Cold weather brings more than just resident complaints about icy sidewalks. Freezing temperatures, snow buildup, and moisture intrusion can quietly impact outdoor smart locker systems if they are not properly prepared. For property managers and on-site teams, winter readiness is less about emergency fixes and more about preventative care that keeps package operations running smoothly all season long.
Whether your lockers are fully outdoors or semi-exposed, taking a few proactive steps before temperatures drop can help protect hardware, reduce service disruptions, and extend the life of your system. Here is your practical guide to preparing smart lockers for cold weather.

The Future of PropTech in Multifamily: What Operators Need to Know Heading Into 2026

If there’s one word I’d use to describe the current state of proptech in multifamily, it’s this: cautious.
We are surrounded by technology. New platforms, new tools, new promises. And yet, adoption across the industry is still slower than many people expected. That doesn’t mean operators aren’t interested. It means they’re being thoughtful. They’re asking the right questions. And frankly, they’re navigating a lot of noise.
As we look toward 2026, I believe the future of proptech in multifamily will be defined less by flashy new tools and more by clarity, consolidation, infrastructure, and long-term flexibility. This is not about chasing trends. It’s about building a foundation that allows properties to adapt, scale, and deliver real value to both staff and residents.

How Third Party Delivery Drivers Use Smart Lockers

Third party delivery has become a permanent fixture in both retail and quick-service restaurants. As delivery volumes increase and customer expectations tighten, operations leaders are rethinking not just how orders are fulfilled, but how they are handed off. One of the most overlooked friction points in this process is the delivery driver pickup experience.
Smart lockers, originally designed for customer pickup, are increasingly being used as a reliable handoff point for third party delivery drivers. When implemented as part of a BOPIS strategy, smart lockers simplify pickup, reduce in-store congestion, and create a faster, more predictable workflow for everyone involved.

How To Write A Proposal To Get Smart Lockers Approved For Your Community

Getting smart lockers approved often has less to do with the technology itself and more to do with how the proposal is framed. Ownership groups, asset managers, and regional leaders are not looking for another amenity request. They are evaluating investments based on operational impact, cost control, and long-term value.
This guide walks through exactly how to write a proposal that speaks their language and positions smart lockers as a strategic improvement, not a nice-to-have.

Package Rooms vs. Package Lockers: Which Is Better?

Finding the best package management systems for multifamily communities often comes down to one key question: package rooms vs. package lockers. Both solutions help properties handle rising delivery volumes, reduce staff workload, and improve the resident experience, but each one serves a different operational need.
The right choice depends on your building style, delivery patterns, available space, and long term goals. This guide breaks down the differences, benefits, and limitations of each option to help you make an informed decision.

TOPICS