Montreal police asking people not to post photos of porch pirates online

In Montreal's residential neighborhoods, delivered packages are disappearing from doorsteps.

Porch thieves break into private yards and steal online orders; Often these actions are recorded by doorbell cameras.

"My packages have been stolen twice. "One of them was a pair of expensive shoes." Notre-Dame-de-Grasse resident Stephanie Wadden says.

Victims are quick to post on local Facebook groups and other social networks.

"I posted this to let others in the area know that items are being stolen." Vadden added.

But the Montreal police ask people not to do this.

Instead, they say, give the evidence to the police, because releasing the photos could jeopardize the case if it goes to court.

"We strongly recommend that you give us the evidence and let things take their course." François Sauvé, head of the Montreal Police Department of Communications (SVPM).

Police also added that despite public outrage, even potential suspects have a right to privacy until proven guilty.

But a woman who spoke to CTV News said she gave the evidence to the police but so far has not received any help from them.

In mid-December, a ceramic dog statue was stolen from his porch.

"They have the license plate number. They have a video of him taking the dog and putting it in the car." "I still haven't gotten my statue back," says Anya Shepakovsky.

He's tried to take action himself by posting the post online, and at least one criminal lawyer doesn't see a problem with that.

"You don't really interfere with the defendant's right to a fair trial, even if they are ever arrested or charged." Eric Sutton says.

The victims we spoke to say they just want their belongings back, but they don't hold out much hope.

They say that if this happens again, they will take action online first and then go to the police.

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