Saskatoon man urges vigilance after brazen thief steals food from front step

A Saskatoon man is warning people to be on the lookout after a package was stolen from his front step in broad daylight this weekend.

Craig Silliphant, who occasionally contributes to CBC as a freelancer, bought some food Sunday from a local business and had it dropped off at his door.

When he opened the door to pick it up, it had already been stolen.

"The goods were sitting out on my front porch for probably a few more minutes than necessary," he said.

"They weren't in a big fancy electronic box or anything. It was actually in a Giant Tiger bag. So it wasn't really tempting looking."

Silliphant said he was literally three feet away from the door with his curtains closed.

He's surprised any thief would have the courage to steal the package from his doorstep, especially as many people are at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"To me, it seems like a bit of extra risk for the thief," he said.

"All you've got right now is a bunch of people sitting at home, staring out their windows with nothing else to do." 

Both the Saskatoon Police Service and Regina Police Service said they had not received a spike in calls of doorstep thefts.

However, Silliphant said he wouldn't be surprised if there were more thefts in the next few weeks, as more people rely on delivery to get their purchases.

"I think it was a little bit eye opening for me because I know that a lot of businesses are relying on [delivery] right now."

Full disclosure: Craig Silliphant is an occasional opinion/comedy writer for CBC.