(Toronto) You’ve been tracking your online purchases for days. It’s finally the day your package should arrive at your doorstep. But when you come home in the evening, the package is not there.

A recent FedEx survey shows that doorstep thefts have increased over the past two years, with 28 percent of respondents saying they’ve had packages stolen by “doorstep pirates.” This compares to 24% of respondents in 2022 and 20% in 2021.

Some 70% of those surveyed expressed concern that their packages left unattended after delivery would be stolen.

“It’s a natural concern,” said James Anderson, spokesperson for FedEx Express Canada.

“It’s always on your mind, ‘What happens to my package (when I’m not home)?’” »

Despite the increase in thefts, the survey found that only 7% of respondents reported them to the police.

“You are the victim of a crime. Contact the police,” he recalled.

Anderson also noted that thefts increase during the holiday season, particularly when more shoppers order items online and have them delivered.

“When shipping items purchased online, citizens are advised to use the available delivery tracking application,” explained Carolin Maran, Communications Advisor with the Edmonton Police Service.

She also suggested shoppers ask the retailer or shipping service to deliver the items to a more discreet location, like a back porch or another address where someone can accept the package quickly.

The FedEx survey showed that the number of shoppers reporting theft was generally consistent across the country, ranging from 26% to 30%, with the exception of Atlantic Canada, which reported the lowest percentage of thefts. package, or 20%.

FedEx Canada, in collaboration with Angus Reid, surveyed 1,507 Canadians online between October 1 and 5. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of /-2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

According to Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait, customers should take advantage of order tracking, which can be shared with friends or family and includes photo on delivery and pickup options to avoid losing a package.

“We know how disappointing it is for customers when package thieves strike,” she said in an email.

Canada Post said its app allows customers to choose a safe location outside their home, such as the garage or a side door, or to authorize delivery of the package to a nearby post office.

“We suggest consumers ordering online make sure to read the retailer’s shipping details and choose the best option for them,” said Lisa Liu of Canada Post.

Although insurance is not an option at FedEx, Anderson stressed that customers should be honest about the value of their package.

“It’s very important that shippers are as accurate as possible about the value of that shipment,” he noted, “as it could affect the claims process. »

A video doorbell, meanwhile, could provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, Anderson said.