Christmas is just around the corner, and many are turning to online shopping to purchase their Christmas gifts. But with online shopping on the rise, and 73% admitting to purchasing items online knowing they won’t be in for the delivery, how do you ensure your parcel doesn’t get lost or stolen?
We’ve put together our five essential tips to help prevent your gifts going missing over the festive period:
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 doorbell rings, allowing the postal worker to speak with the homeowner. Through this communication, you can discuss where to leave the parcel if the house is unattended. If 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 a deterrent 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.
