Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale in Canada: How to Prevent Package Theft

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest online shopping events of the year. In 2026, Black Friday falls on November 27, followed by Cyber Monday on November 30. For Canadian shoppers, that means a busy few days of deals, orders and deliveries arriving at their front doors.

But there is one part of online shopping that is easy to overlook: what happens after a package is delivered?

Packages left on porches, in apartment lobbies or outside unsecured entrances can attract opportunistic thieves, commonly known as porch pirates. A delivery notification does not always mean your purchase is safe. If nobody is home to collect it, a package can disappear before you get the chance.

The good news is that a few practical changes can help reduce the risk. Here is how to prevent package theft in Canada during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday shopping season.

Why package theft becomes a concern during Black Friday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday encourage shoppers to place multiple orders within a short period. Electronics, clothing, household essentials and holiday gifts may arrive on different days, sometimes through several delivery companies.

That can mean more packages sitting unattended while residents are at work, running errands or away for the day.

Porch pirates do not necessarily need sophisticated methods. An unattended package in a visible location can be an easy opportunity. In some cases, thieves may follow delivery vehicles or look for homes where parcels are regularly left outside.

Canadian police services have repeatedly advised residents to plan deliveries, collect parcels promptly and use secure pickup options where possible. The RCMP also recommends good exterior lighting and visible video cameras as part of a package-theft prevention plan.

7 ways to prevent package theft during Black Friday and Cyber Monday

1. Track your deliveries and turn on notifications

Start with the tools already available through your delivery company. Most major carriers provide tracking updates that tell you when a parcel is out for delivery or has been delivered.

Enable email or text notifications so you know when a package reaches your home. Canada Post, for example, allows customers to receive delivery updates by email or text.

However, tracking only tells you what is happening with your shipment. It does not secure the package once it has been dropped off. Make a plan to collect it as soon as possible.

2. Choose a secure delivery location

If you know you will not be home, avoid having an expensive purchase left outside your front door.

Depending on the retailer and carrier, you may be able to:

• Redirect the delivery to a pickup point or parcel locker.
• Send the package to your workplace.
• Arrange delivery to a trusted neighbour or family member.
• Use a concierge or secure mailroom in your building.
• Request a signature for higher-value orders, where available.

Check the delivery options before completing your Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchase. A small change at checkout could save you the trouble of dealing with a missing parcel later.

3. Install a video doorbell or security camera

A video doorbell or outdoor security camera can help you see who approaches your property and when a delivery arrives.

For package theft prevention, camera placement matters. Make sure the view covers the front entrance, porch or usual delivery area. Check that the camera captures a useful view of people approaching the property, rather than only a wide shot of the street.

Depending on the system, you may also be able to receive motion alerts, view footage remotely or review recorded activity after an incident.

Keep in mind that a camera does not physically prevent someone from taking a package. Its value is in visibility, alerts and recorded footage that may help identify what happened.

4. Improve lighting around your entrance

A dark entrance can make it harder to see activity around your property. Exterior lighting, particularly motion-activated lighting, can improve visibility around porches, driveways, side entrances and other access points.

Check that existing lights work and that shrubs, decorations or other objects are not blocking the area around your entrance.

Lighting works best as part of a broader security setup, alongside cameras and secure delivery arrangements.

5. Consider a secure parcel box

A lockable parcel box can provide a designated place for deliveries instead of leaving them exposed on your doorstep.

Before purchasing one, check its dimensions, installation requirements and whether your regular delivery companies can use it. Some boxes require specific access instructions, so make sure the delivery driver can deposit the parcel securely.

For apartment residents, a building parcel room, concierge or approved pickup location may be a more practical option.

6. Avoid advertising that you are away

If you are expecting deliveries while travelling or spending time away from home, arrange for someone to collect them. Avoid letting packages accumulate outside your entrance.

You can also ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property and consider using smart lighting to maintain a regular lighting schedule.

The aim is to avoid leaving obvious signs that nobody is home and to reduce the time a parcel remains unattended.

7. Think beyond the package and review your home security

Package theft is one reason to pay attention to activity around your property, but your front entrance is also an important access point to your home.

A more complete home security setup can combine outdoor cameras, entry-point protection, motion detection, lighting and professional alarm monitoring.

Video surveillance can help you review activity around your property. A professionally monitored alarm system adds another layer by sending alarm signals to a monitoring centre, where trained operators follow established response procedures.

These services do different jobs. A camera helps you see and record activity, while alarm monitoring is designed to respond to signals from your alarm system. Ask what each component covers before choosing a system.

Black Friday is a good time to review your home security

When comparing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, it is easy to focus on individual products and discounts. But the cheapest camera is not necessarily the best fit for your property.

Before buying, consider:

• Coverage: Does the camera capture your front door, porch and other important entry points?
• Night visibility: Can it provide usable footage after dark?
• Alerts: Does it notify you when relevant activity is detected?
• Recording: Can you review footage after an event, and how long is it stored?
• Remote access: Can you check your cameras when you are away?
• Installation: Is the equipment installed and positioned correctly?
• Monitoring: Do you need cameras only, or would professional alarm monitoring also be useful?

A camera-only setup may suit someone who mainly wants to check deliveries. A professionally installed security system may be worth considering if you want broader coverage of your home and its entry points.

Protect your deliveries and your home with Alarm Guard

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a good opportunity to review more than your shopping list. If you are expecting valuable deliveries this season, take a closer look at how well your front entrance and property are protected.

Alarm Guard provides professionally installed home security and video surveillance solutions, backed by 24/7 professional monitoring. Whether you want to improve visibility around your entrance or explore a more complete home security setup, our team can help you understand the options.

Contact Alarm Guard at 866-282-3331 to discuss a home security solution for your property before the holiday delivery rush.