Protect Your Packages: Simple Steps to Prevent Parcel Theft
It's concerning to learn that at least one in every ten Australians has experienced parcel theft from their front door. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, the rate of such thefts is likely to increase.
According to criminal justice experts, package theft is common because it is an easy crime to commit. Unlike stealing a car, which requires certain skills, or breaking into a house, which involves significant risk, stealing a parcel requires no special ability. It is a low-level offence with minimal risk, making it attractive to opportunistic thieves.
To avoid the hassle and disappointment of a stolen parcel, here are some simple precautions you can take to protect your deliveries.
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Invest in a Parcel Letterbox
A modern parcel letterbox is a secure and innovative solution designed to receive and store parcels and mail deliveries at your home, providing an effective way to prevent theft.
These letterboxes are typically larger and more robust than traditional mailboxes, capable of accommodating a wide range of parcel sizes, from small packages to medium-sized deliveries.
The key feature of a modern parcel letterbox is its secure locking mechanism. When a delivery arrives, the courier places the parcel inside the letterbox, which then locks automatically, preventing unauthorised access. This ensures that your packages remain safe until you retrieve them.
Many parcel boxes also include a one-way drop feature, allowing the delivery to be inserted but not removed without the correct key or code, adding an extra layer of security.
Because of the sturdy construction of these letterboxes, thieves cannot easily remove the parcel through the chute using a hook or other tools. Once the parcel is placed in the bottom compartment, it can only be accessed by someone with the correct key or combination, depending on the lock type.
In addition to security, parcel letterboxes offer convenience. You no longer need to be at home to receive a package or worry about missed deliveries. Your parcels are safely stored until you're ready to collect them, providing peace of mind and added convenience to your daily life.
When choosing a parcel letterbox, consider its design and how it will fit with your home's exterior. Since it will be a visible part of your property, it's essential to choose a design that complements your home's style.
Fortunately, many options are available in various colours, finishes, and styles, so finding one that suits your taste shouldn't be difficult. Also, consider where you plan to install the letterbox. Some models can be wall-mounted, while others are freestanding or designed to be embedded into a wall or fence. Ensure the installation is secure and appropriate for your space.
Get your Packages Delivered to Collection Locations
We understand that this may require extra travel, but if you won't be able to be home to receive your package when it arrives, scheduling for a pickup location is a great solution - especially for more expensive things.
For example, when you buy from Amazon, you can select a pickup place other than your address, such as any accessible Amazon Lockers, Amazon Counters at authorised locations, or UPS Access Points. Other companies may have their own local centres where you can set up for pickup.
Make Use of Package Tracking
Online ordering and delivery technology has improved so much that today it's possible to track shipments practically from the moment they leave the shipping warehouse.
Text or email confirmation are some of the ways that all major postal services use to provide notifications of every stage of the shipping process - some even show the shipment moving from stop to stop for the final half hour before arriving at its destination.
Knowing when the package will arrive allows you to schedule your pick-up time accordingly.
Require a Signature on Delivery
Without specifications, delivery drivers will simply drop packages on your porch. But you have another option. A lot of companies offer the option to require a signature upon delivery. This means the driver won't be allowed to leave the parcel unless you are present to sign.
The only problem with this approach is that a few missed deliveries can result in parcels being returned to the sender. So, if you opt for a signature upon delivery, plan your schedule to be home during the delivery day.
Install a Secure Camera
Many people have turned to doorbell cameras to help prevent parcel theft. However, some burglars are brave enough to walk right up to a front door with a visible doorbell camera in place and steal what is not theirs. In this case, all you can do is give the police the video footage.
A good security camera, on the other hand, allows you to see the thief, record their identity, contact the police, and sometimes even communicate with the criminal before they leave the area, which may cause them to drop the box.
To reap these benefits, invest in a camera with high-resolution video, night vision, an internet connection, and weather protection.
Ask Your Neighbours for Help
Ideally, you should schedule package deliveries for times when someone is home. However, if something unexpected happens and no one is available to receive the package, you could ask a trusted neighbour to collect it for you and hold onto it until you return.
It's worth discussing this arrangement with a few reliable neighbours in advance. Agreeing to pick up each other's packages when the recipient is not present can help prevent theft. Knowing that someone is keeping an eye out for your deliveries can provide peace of mind.
Consider Shipping Insurance for High-Value Packages
If you're expecting a shipment that contains expensive or valuable items, such as electronics or jewellery, it may be worth purchasing shipping insurance. This is usually offered by the carrier and can often be added as an extra option at checkout.
If the package is lost, stolen, or damaged, shipping insurance will cover its declared value, allowing you to receive a full reimbursement for the lost item. When deciding whether to purchase shipping insurance, consider the value of the item and the likelihood of it being damaged or stolen.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024.
When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
