How To Prevent Porch Piracy and Parcel Theft: Tips
UK residents are warned to be extra vigilant as parcel theft soars.
The warning comes in the wake of a recent global survey stating that more than 8 million parcels were stolen or lost in the UK last year – a 5% increase from the previous year.
Several UK policing units have since cautioned residents on porch piracy – only weeks before Christmas.
The survey estimates that lost parcels and doorstep theft – also known as porch piracy – cost the UK economy £320 million over the last 12 months. Over the same period, porch piracy cost the larger global economy about £33 billion.
Leading UK delivery company Pegasus Couriers Managing Director Martin Smith said most doorstep piracy is thought to be carried out by professional thieves: “There are mainly two types of doorstep thieves.
Either they are organised and even pre-plan their thefts, or they are more opportunistic and take advantage of unattended parcels. I am sure some even operate in groups.”
With the increase in parcel deliveries due to the busy Christmas season, it stands to reason that there will be a spike in parcel theft. Our courier drivers follow strict guidelines and protocols to limit these risks.
I would advise customers to ensure that all their details are up-to-date on the carrier websites so that drivers leave the parcels in safe places. Ask your neighbour if they will keep your package or identify a safer place you would want it left.”
- Track your packages online or sign up for delivery alert notifications
- Request that your packages arrive when and if you plan on being home
- If you need to travel, place a hold on your package until you return to keep your parcel safe.
- Have your packages delivered to your work address if you cannot be home.
- Consider installing a security camera or utilising a lock dop boxes
- Parcel thefts and losses in Wales is 4 times more that rom the previous 12-months (up from 4% to 16%)
- Double the amount of parcel thefts and loss year on year in:
- Scotland (up 6% to 12%)
- the Midlands (up from 6% to 12%)
- the Midlands (up from 6% to 12%)
The survey also showed that despite a surge in e-commerce, about one in ten people worldwide were reluctant to shop online due to the fear of theft.
Smith said the industry had to find ways to keep online shopping safe and attract more shoppers. “This has been a topic of discussion for years and is a growing concern for businesses.”
The last year has seen a 12% increase in UK parcel theft or loss, up from 7% between May 2020 and April 2021 – with Wales seeing the largest spike.
The survey was commissioned by British steel manufacturer Penn Elcom and sponsored by the delivery management platform Scurri.
In the wake of the increase, Crawley Police (in Sussex) issued guidance advising installing a video doorbell connected to your mobile phone.
Scurri’s Gavin Murphy added that they expected parcel piracy to continue as international parcel deliveries increase. When parcel delivery fails at the final hurdle, the customer experience fails expectations and customers may be discouraged from buying online again from that retailer. Nowadays, most customers anticipate a specific day or time for their deliveries. In order for this to happen, friction has to be removed by seamlessly connecting all aspects of the order, shipping and delivery process and systems, and this can minimise risks of incidents where packages are stolen.
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