Parcel thefts have become a growing concern in the UK, with £666.5m worth of parcels reported stolen last year alone, according to Quadient's data. The issue has been exacerbated by the rise of online shopping, which has led to an increase in delivery drivers leaving packages unattended in lobbies and doorways.
Many victims have reported being left feeling frustrated and vulnerable, with some even resorting to taking matters into their own hands by setting up traps for would-be thieves. Pranksters have been known to leave "bait packages" that are filled with items like paint bombs or glitter, which will be triggered when the thief tries to steal it.
However, while these pranks may provide a sense of satisfaction, they do not solve the problem and can actually make it worse for others who are more vulnerable to theft. According to Gary Winter, vice-president of global strategic initiatives at Quadient, "The brands could do more to anonymise parcels or make it less attractive or less obvious to thieves that there might be something interesting inside."
Consumers can play a role in preventing parcel thefts by ensuring they order deliveries for days when they will be in, and providing correct addresses. They should also consider using signed-for delivery options or carriers with whom they have had good experiences.
In some cases, it may be worth getting packages delivered to work addresses, as business deliveries are often more successful than home deliveries. Additionally, consumers can take steps to secure their buildings by asking for the name on the parcel and verifying it before letting the courier in.
For those who feel like they cannot rely on their landlords or local authorities to make changes, there is one solution that might help: corner shop or locker deliveries. These services provide a convenient way to reduce the risk of theft, as packages are delivered to secure locations rather than homes.
Many victims have reported being left feeling frustrated and vulnerable, with some even resorting to taking matters into their own hands by setting up traps for would-be thieves. Pranksters have been known to leave "bait packages" that are filled with items like paint bombs or glitter, which will be triggered when the thief tries to steal it.
However, while these pranks may provide a sense of satisfaction, they do not solve the problem and can actually make it worse for others who are more vulnerable to theft. According to Gary Winter, vice-president of global strategic initiatives at Quadient, "The brands could do more to anonymise parcels or make it less attractive or less obvious to thieves that there might be something interesting inside."
Consumers can play a role in preventing parcel thefts by ensuring they order deliveries for days when they will be in, and providing correct addresses. They should also consider using signed-for delivery options or carriers with whom they have had good experiences.
In some cases, it may be worth getting packages delivered to work addresses, as business deliveries are often more successful than home deliveries. Additionally, consumers can take steps to secure their buildings by asking for the name on the parcel and verifying it before letting the courier in.
For those who feel like they cannot rely on their landlords or local authorities to make changes, there is one solution that might help: corner shop or locker deliveries. These services provide a convenient way to reduce the risk of theft, as packages are delivered to secure locations rather than homes.
! £666.5m worth of parcels stolen last year alone is crazy talk 
. I get why people want to prank thieves back with paint bombs or glitter, but let's be real, it's just a temporary high and can actually make things worse for others 
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. Anonymizing parcels or making them less attractive to thieves would be a great start 
. And honestly, who hasn't experienced the frustration of dealing with package theft? It's not just about the financial loss, it's about feeling vulnerable too 
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. Signed-for delivery options or carriers with good track records are also a great idea 
. And if you're not confident in your landlord or local authorities, corner shops or locker deliveries might be the way to go 
.
are getting out of hand! I mean, £666.5m worth of stolen parcels is crazy talk! 
It's like people think they can just waltz into your home and make off with your stuff while you're not looking? Not cool, thieves.
But in this case, it's not about learning, it's about being prepared and taking care of your own security.