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NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • VOL. 55 NO. 4 • VANCOUVER, B.C.
'It's just a little prick' B.C. children now eligible to get COVID vaccine shots By LAUREN VANDERDEEN
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UPS courier, David Akselrod advises residents to be vigilant as the holiday season brings more package thefts. HOLLIE MCGOWAN PHOTO
Porch pirates thrive as holiday season arrives
Porch thefts cost Canadians $784 million annually: survey By HOLLIE MCGOWAN
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orth Vancouver RCMP have issued a warning regarding reports of an increase in package theft from front door steps this winter holiday season. “Porch Pirates” are getting an early start to holiday theft, as a result of an increase in online shopping. And those numbers are only going up, police say. “It's been an issue for quite a few years,” said Peter DeVries, media relations officer with the North Vancouver RCMP. “These are crimes of opportunity, especially with the increases in online purchases through suppliers like Amazon.” With online shopping becoming a dominant way for people to buy goods, porch theft has also become
a regular occurrence. According to a survey by Finder, one in four Canadian adults report being the victim of porch theft. The approximate value of the packages porch pirates have stolen from Canadians is $784 million annually, according to the same survey. Other regional police departments including the Vancouver Police Department have also issued warnings about porch theft. “Now we see thousands and thousands of packages delivered to homes every day,” said DeVries. David Akselrod, a United Parcel Service delivery person who was distributing packages in South Vancouver on Monday, says that dealing with complaints from customers regarding missing or stolen packages has become a regular part of the job. “When that happens we do a
follow-up,” said Akselrod. “And then usually they get their money back from UPS.” DeVries said that thefts come in surges, adding that the most significant surges are around Christmas time. RCMP officers have a difficult time tracking down porch thieves. Lack of witnesses, security cameras and sensor lights on private properties pose challenges for police trying to solve porch theft cases. The RCMP, security systems companies, and package delivery companies are all issuing tips to Vancouverites on how to combat package theft. “One avenue that we pursue in trying to mitigate the damages caused by this sort of problem is through public education, public awareness and through the messaging that we provide to improve
crime prevention,” DeVries said. Zeljko Cipric, an employee of Eurtech Security Systems advises to have parcels delivered to a post office where the recipient can safely pick up their delivery. “If something important is coming, don't have it delivered to the house and left by the front door, especially if nobody's home,” Cipric said. DeVries suggested giving more information including specific directions when making online purchases, such as requesting the delivery person to place the package around the back of the house, under the staircase or at the side of the house. “If you have a plant or something just let the delivery man know,” said Akselrod. “This is December. It’s super busy. So just keep your eye out.”
onday was a vaccine miracle for Mike Sachs of Richmond who took his children to the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the River Rock Casino. “This is a holiday for us,” Sachs said. “Today's the first day of Hanukkah. Last night was the first night, but today is the first day. And for us to be able to get in on the first day, to get the kids vaccinated, we see it as a miracle, which is what Hanukkah stands for.” His children, Izzy, 8, and Desi, 6, showed no fear before getting their shot. “I'm excited to not be at school,” Izzy said. Sachs said the family has been waiting for this day. “We're a family that believes in science and believes in following public health, so we're trying to do our part to make it happen,” Sachs said. Health Canada authorized the vaccine for children aged 5–11 on Nov. 19. Kids in Ontario were able to get their shot starting last Thursday. In Alberta, children’s vaccinations began on Friday. Angela Chase said her family has seen the damages of COVID firsthand with family and friends. Her daughter Gabby, 10, was excited to get the vaccine. “I wanted to be protected,” Gabby said. “I don’t like corona.” When Gabby found out she was getting the vaccine she exclaimed: “I'm getting the vaccine? I'm getting the vaccine!” After getting the shot, she sent a picture to her friends. “Didn’t even hurt,” she said. Some parents were frustrated by the vaccine booking process. While the province has said to wait for a text message, many found it easier to just book by phone. “Parents are just like, forget it. Like, we've been waiting,” said Candace Flannigan after her two children were vaccinated. “Other provinces were vaccinated days ago. We'll call until we get our kids the shots,” Flannigan said. fication. Two hours later, they got an email notification. See page 3 for 'It's just a little prick'