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RAA Insurance is urging homeowners to be aware of parcel security if they’re ordering deliveries online during the Christmas period, with thousands of packages likely to be stolen across Australia in the coming weeks.
Australia Post has delivered more than 50 million parcels during previous December periods in the lead-up to Christmas – creating a spike in opportunities for thieves to strike when no one is around.
RAA Insurance is advising South Australians that simple steps can be taken to reduce your risk of having expensive deliveries stolen ahead of Christmas, including:
RAA Insurance Chief Claims Officer Jess Lyons said parcel theft was a growing concern for homeowners.
“No one wants to have their Christmas presents stolen from the front porch,” Ms Lyons said.
“Unattended deliveries present opportunities for thieves to pounce if they’re walking past and can see a package sitting in the open air.
“We recommend always keeping an eye the tracking page of any deliveries so you know when to expect them and can bring them inside as soon as possible.
“Or have them delivered to a workplace or somewhere where you know there will be people around to accept it even if you’re not there.
“Other measures like requiring a signature on delivery or sending it to a secure parcel locker can also reduce the risk of having a delivery disappear.”
If delivered parcels do unfortunately go missing, shoppers should contact Australia Post or the relevant delivery service to confirm it was delivered and if anything can be done to locate it.
CCTV vision can help to determine it was stolen and make a police report, so homeowners are encouraged to have cameras installed at their front door.
Homeowners may also be able to submit an insurance claim with their home and contents insurer if they have a parcel stolen, depending on their policy.