Package Theft in 2026: Protecting Your Shipments in Canada

You're expecting a delivery, the tracking information says «delivered»... but the front steps are empty. The package theft has become one of the most costly nuisances in e-commerce, both for individuals and for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses that ship to their customers.

Every stolen package means a product that needs to be replaced, a dissatisfied customer, and, often, reshipping costs to cover. The good news: with a few simple precautions and the right delivery services, you can dramatically reduce this risk.

Here’s an overview of package theft in Canada in 2026 and, most importantly, practical solutions to protect your deliveries.

Parcel Theft by the Numbers in Canada

This phenomenon is by no means trivial. According to recent surveys:

1 in 10 Canadians says they have had at least one package stolen in the past year.
23 % Canadians—that is, approximately 6.9 million people — say they have already had a package stolen from their front steps.
The average value of a stolen package is around 113 to 123 $, and in nearly 10 % of cases, the package was worth more than 250 $.
In total, the figure is estimated at nearly 784 million dollars the value of the stolen packages.

Encouraging news: FedEx Express Canada reports that package theft has dropped from 16 % in 2023 to 10 % in 2024—proof that preventive measures are working.

When and How Packages Go Missing

Porch pirates tend to follow fairly predictable patterns. The majority of thefts occur in the afternoon, when packages remain visible in front of doors during business hours. According to several surveys, Wednesday stands out as the day with the highest risk.

The typical scenario is simple: the carrier leaves the package in plain sight, near the street, and it remains there for several hours. The longer a package sits out in the open, the greater the risk. It is precisely this period of exposure that must be eliminated.

Collection points: the best solution

The most effective way to prevent theft is to never leave a package unattended. Pickup point networks allow you to have packages delivered to a location other than your doorstep.

Canada Post FlexDelivery

The Service FlexDelivery Canada Post's service is free and allows you to have your purchases shipped directly to the post office of your choice, from a network of nearly 5,900 offices. You use your FlexDelivery address at checkout, then pick up the package by presenting a photo ID. The package remains in a secure location until you pick it up.

UPS, FedEx, and Purolator Pickup Locations

Major carriers offer the equivalent. UPS Access Point, the pickup locations FedEx and Purolator — with more than 550 authorized shipping agents across the country — allow you to redirect a delivery to a partner store where the package is kept safe. This is ideal when no one is home during the day.

Signature, compartments, and other protective features

In addition to drop-off locations, there are several other ways to reduce the risk:

Signature upon delivery. By requiring a signature, the carrier does not leave the package unattended. Purolator, for example, offers «Signature Required» options; if the location does not appear to be secure, the delivery person leaves a delivery notice instead.
Delivery Instructions. Most carriers allow you to specify a discreet location (back door, behind a pillar) or request delivery to a neighbor's house.
Package lockers. A lockable locker on the porch, or automated lockers inside the store, keep the package out of reach.
Doorbell camera. A visible camera deters thieves and provides evidence in the event of an incident.
Tracking notifications. Enable real-time alerts to pick up your package quickly after delivery.

What to Do If Your Package Is Stolen

If a package does go missing, act quickly: check the surrounding area and ask your neighbors, review your security camera footage, and then contact the merchant or carrier to report the non-delivery. Keep the tracking number and any evidence. Depending on the service used, compensation or a reshipment may be possible—which is why insurance and declared value are so important for high-value shipments. Filing a report with the local police may also be helpful for packages worth more than 250 $.

Protect Your Shipments Today

Package theft is common, but it’s far from inevitable. By combining pickup locations, signature requirements, and a little vigilance, both individuals and small businesses can reduce the risk to nearly zero—and avoid the redelivery costs that eat into their profit margins.

Need to safely ship or receive packages in Canada? Discover the delivery and pickup point solutions from’Shipping Store to protect each of your shipments.