Burnaby RCMP warns of package theft as holiday shopping season begins
Burnaby RCMP issued a warning November 5 about package theft at doorsteps and is asking the public to help identify a suspect from a September theft in South Burnaby.
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Burnaby RCMP released a warning on November 5 about theft of packages from residential doorsteps, as the holiday shopping season begins. Police also want help identifying a suspect involved in a package theft in South Burnaby on September 28.
"While we have not yet seen an increase in reported porch piracy, we are approaching that time of year," said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP, in the detachment's November 5 news release. "These thieves often strike in broad daylight, looking for loot and plundering unattended packages in residential neighbourhoods."
The South Burnaby theft
Burnaby RCMP released photos of a suspect seen near a four-door sedan in South Burnaby on September 28, 2026, in connection with a package theft. The suspect is wearing dark pants and a hoodie. The vehicle itself is described as distinct.
"We're hoping that the distinct vehicle, coupled with the suspect's clothing, will help someone identify this individual," Cpl. Kalanj said in the release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file 2026-34807. Cpl. Kalanj also reminded residents that all victims of package theft should report incidents to police.
Steps to protect your deliveries
Burnaby RCMP listed four steps in its November 5 release:
- Use tracking notifications to know exactly when a package is due, and retrieve it as soon as it arrives.
- Request secure delivery by asking couriers to require a signature or deliver to an alternate pickup location.
- Use a doorbell camera or security system, which the detachment says can deter thieves and provide evidence.
- Report every theft to police, even when no suspect is identified.
The detachment also mentioned Block Watch, a community program in which neighbours coordinate to watch for suspicious activity.
What residents can do
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or the vehicle from the South Burnaby theft is asked to call Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file 2026-34807. Residents who want to review or join a Block Watch group in their area can find information through Burnaby RCMP's website at rcmp.ca.
Questions this story answers
What warning did Burnaby RCMP issue on November 5?
Burnaby RCMP issued a news release on November 5, 2026 warning residents to protect packages delivered to their homes. Cpl. Mike Kalanj said the detachment has not yet seen an increase in reported package theft, but that the holiday shopping season brings a higher risk. The release included photos of a suspect involved in a package theft in South Burnaby on September 28.
What happened in South Burnaby on September 28?
Burnaby RCMP is asking the public to help identify a suspect involved in a package theft at a residential address in South Burnaby on September 28, 2026. The release includes photos of the suspect, a person wearing dark pants and a hoodie, and a four-door sedan. Cpl. Kalanj said the vehicle's distinctive appearance may help someone recognize the person responsible.
What number should residents call if they have information?
Anyone with information about the South Burnaby package theft is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file number 2026-34807. Cpl. Mike Kalanj also reminded residents that anyone who is a victim of package theft should report it to police.
What steps can residents take to protect their deliveries?
Burnaby RCMP listed four steps in its November 5 release: use delivery tracking to know exactly when a package arrives; retrieve packages as soon as they are delivered; ask couriers to require a signature or deliver to an alternate secure location; and use a doorbell camera or security system, which the detachment says can deter thieves and provide evidence if theft occurs.
What is porch piracy?
Burnaby RCMP uses the term porch piracy to describe the theft of packages from residential doorsteps after delivery. Cpl. Kalanj said in the November 5 release that these thefts often happen in broad daylight as thieves look for unattended packages in residential neighbourhoods.
Has the holiday season brought more package thefts in Burnaby?
Burnaby RCMP said in its November 5 release that it has not yet seen an increase in reported package theft. Cpl. Kalanj said the detachment is issuing the warning because the holiday shopping season historically brings higher risk. He encouraged all residents who are victimized to report the theft to police.
What are the photos released by Burnaby RCMP?
Burnaby RCMP released two images on November 5, 2026: one showing a suspect standing in front of a four-door sedan, and one showing the sedan alone. The suspect in the photos is wearing dark pants and a hoodie. The release says the suspect was seen in South Burnaby on September 28, 2026, in connection with a package theft.
Where can residents find more safety tips from Burnaby RCMP?
Burnaby RCMP's November 5 release mentioned Block Watch as a community safety program for residents who want to coordinate with neighbours. The release also pointed to the Burnaby RCMP newsroom at rcmp.ca for additional community safety information. Residents can also check the Burnaby news page at /bc/burnaby-2026/news for coverage of safety notices in Burnaby.
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