Parcel theft epidemic: Australia Post urges vigilance amid growing concerns
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In a world where online shopping has become the norm, the convenience of having parcels delivered to our doorsteps is one of the modern luxuries many of us have come to appreciate.
However, this convenience has also given rise to a new kind of opportunistic crime that is causing concern across the nation.
Australia Post is now sounding the alarm, urging residents to stay vigilant after a spate of parcel thefts has been captured on home security systems.
Just this week, two separate incidents in Sydney have highlighted the growing issue.
In Manly, a resident's security camera caught a thief in the act of stealing not one but three parcels right from their front gate.
The following day, a Stanmore local found her parcel had been pilfered, its contents rummaged through and the empty box ‘dumped’ behind her house.
Both residents were surprised by the ‘brazen’ and ‘opportunistic’ actions, prompting Australia Post to encourage individuals to report such criminal behaviour to the police.
An Australia Post spokesperson emphasised the importance of reporting these incidents to the police, stating, ‘Theft of parcels and mail after delivery is a criminal offence and customers should get in touch with police if they suspect their mail has been tampered with or stolen.’
A recent report from Finder shed light on the alarming frequency of these thefts, revealing that one in five Australians had a parcel stolen between April 2022 and April 2023.
The financial impact is significant, with the average cost of a stolen parcel being $129. This adds up to an estimated $541 million worth of goods stolen in just one year, affecting not only residents but also businesses.
The high cost of living is thought to be a contributing factor to this uptick in parcel theft, with some individuals prompted to ‘bend their morals a little more than usual’ to make ends meet.
Sarah Megginson from Finder commented on the situation: ‘People are strapped for cash at the moment. It's a real slap in the face to have something you've paid for to arrive and then it gets stolen’
‘It's really disheartening to see that this is a trend that is increasing.’
‘It causes problems for a number of people…businesses need to make a profit, residents miss out,’ she added.
In response to this growing problem, Australia Post encouraged the public to take proactive measures to secure their deliveries.
One such measure is the AusPost app, which provides customers with access to self-service parcel lockers for secure storage before collection.
Alternatively, residents can redirect their parcels to a local post office, where they can be held safely until they are able to pick them up in person.
As Australia Post issued a warning to residents following a brazen act captured on camera, concerns about petty crime and its underlying causes come into sharp focus.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the community, shedding light on the desperate measures some may resort to amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
This juxtaposition highlights the complex interplay between socioeconomic pressures and criminal behaviour, prompting a deeper examination of the realities faced by Australians navigating financial hardships.
Have you experienced similar problems with your parcel? What are your tips to prevent this from happening to others? Let us know your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
However, this convenience has also given rise to a new kind of opportunistic crime that is causing concern across the nation.
Australia Post is now sounding the alarm, urging residents to stay vigilant after a spate of parcel thefts has been captured on home security systems.
Just this week, two separate incidents in Sydney have highlighted the growing issue.
In Manly, a resident's security camera caught a thief in the act of stealing not one but three parcels right from their front gate.
The following day, a Stanmore local found her parcel had been pilfered, its contents rummaged through and the empty box ‘dumped’ behind her house.
Both residents were surprised by the ‘brazen’ and ‘opportunistic’ actions, prompting Australia Post to encourage individuals to report such criminal behaviour to the police.
An Australia Post spokesperson emphasised the importance of reporting these incidents to the police, stating, ‘Theft of parcels and mail after delivery is a criminal offence and customers should get in touch with police if they suspect their mail has been tampered with or stolen.’
Australia Post cautioned residents about a rise in parcel thefts captured on home security cameras. Credits: Facebook / Australia Post Complaints
A recent report from Finder shed light on the alarming frequency of these thefts, revealing that one in five Australians had a parcel stolen between April 2022 and April 2023.
The financial impact is significant, with the average cost of a stolen parcel being $129. This adds up to an estimated $541 million worth of goods stolen in just one year, affecting not only residents but also businesses.
The high cost of living is thought to be a contributing factor to this uptick in parcel theft, with some individuals prompted to ‘bend their morals a little more than usual’ to make ends meet.
Sarah Megginson from Finder commented on the situation: ‘People are strapped for cash at the moment. It's a real slap in the face to have something you've paid for to arrive and then it gets stolen’
‘It's really disheartening to see that this is a trend that is increasing.’
‘It causes problems for a number of people…businesses need to make a profit, residents miss out,’ she added.
In response to this growing problem, Australia Post encouraged the public to take proactive measures to secure their deliveries.
One such measure is the AusPost app, which provides customers with access to self-service parcel lockers for secure storage before collection.
Alternatively, residents can redirect their parcels to a local post office, where they can be held safely until they are able to pick them up in person.
As Australia Post issued a warning to residents following a brazen act captured on camera, concerns about petty crime and its underlying causes come into sharp focus.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the community, shedding light on the desperate measures some may resort to amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
This juxtaposition highlights the complex interplay between socioeconomic pressures and criminal behaviour, prompting a deeper examination of the realities faced by Australians navigating financial hardships.
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