Now more workers head back into the office after working from home due the pandemic, this has unfortunately led to a rise in parcel theft as many are picking a certain delivery slot for their parcels but aren’t home. A combination of the increase in deliveries and families not being in is resulting in parcels being left in gardens and porches, which are easily accessible to burglars.
The last thing you want is your parcel to go missing, so we have put together our top 5 tips for preventing parcel theft:
Install a video doorbell
Having a camera and microphone on the door has several benefits. A video doorbell can connect to a phone, meaning that if you aren’t at the property, a notification will be received when the doorbells rings, allowing the postal worker to speak with the home owner. Through this communication you can discuss where to leave the parcel if the house is unattended. If in the worst case a burglar does steal a parcel that is left in a doorway, video evidence will also be available to show insurance companies and the police.
Pick a safe place
Most courier services ask where to put a parcel if the homeowner is away. Whether this is a green recycling bin, with a neighbour or in a shed, it’s worth ensuring this is in place for any delivery, so the parcel can be stored safely, and no time is wasted for the delivery driver.
Put the burglars off
Basic home security in place will act as deterrents to burglars looking to take a parcel from a doorway. For example, having security lights will instantly shock and scare off a thief. Alternatively, burglars have revealed that CCTV cameras are the main deterrents they tend to avoid, as well as barking dogs.
Plan ahead
Check any working schedules or weekly activities before purchasing a parcel. If you know that you won’t be home at a certain time, it’s unfair and risky to expect the delivery driver to deal with a delivery without any recommended safe places or signs that you are in. Read up on the expected delivery times and plan an order for when somebody is in the house.
Protect yourself
For any high-valued items, ensure that you opt for a signed delivery. That way the driver must get a signature from the receiver and cannot leave it unattended without one. Also, if a parcel is taken without any fault of your own, check with the bank and the courier to see if compensation or a refund is provided. It is the retailer’s responsibility to send any goods safely, so if they aren’t received and you have followed all guidelines, research who is liable to remedy the loss.
A staggering amount of parcels are being stolen, and with a spike in online consumerism it will only continue unless people act now. We hope our simple tips will encourage anyone that orders something online to take caution and time to consider how busy delivery workers are, and in turn, reduce the millions of disappointed people that are losing their parcels.
