The glaring downside to online shopping ahead of Black Friday sales

There are a few things you can do to avoid being the next victim but still nab a bargain. NSW police and Aus Post weigh in. 

Doing a little extra online shopping lately in the lead up to Black Friday and Christmas?

Well, you’re not the only one, and it makes sense why. 

Online shopping is often far more convenient than shopping in-store. It also gives you plenty more options of retailers that don’t have brick and mortar stores, and it can be cheaper, particularly with big sale periods upon us.

However, there is one glaring downside online shopping, and that’s parcel theft.

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One minute it's there, and then the next it's gone. Image: Nama Winston.

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Is it that big of a problem?

Though we can’t give you any big, scary statistics, NSW Police has said that parcel theft is an issue across every command and police district across the state, and much of it goes unreported.

If you haven’t had a parcel stolen yourself, chances are you know someone who has - like Kidspot's Parenting Editor, Nama Winston.

"I've never had a package stolen from my home, until recently, when I've had four in a row disappear," she said.

"For example, I got a photo from a delivery driver showing the delivered parcel on my doorstep, but it was gone by the time I got home - nowhere to be seen. So either someone is brazenly taking parcels in broad daylight, or it's one of those situations where the photo is snapped and sent to the client, and then the parcel is removed by the delivery person.

"Sucked in to the person who stole my $8 root touch-up - you really hit the jackpot there. I'm setting up a camera now."

Like setting up a camera, there are a few more things you can do to put yourself in a better position to avoid it.

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So… what can I do?!

The package delivery itself is a good place to start.

Instead of just having packages sent to your home to be left on the doorstep, Australia Post recommends using their free AusPost app and parcel lockers.

“We encourage all our customers to download the AusPost app, giving them access to self-service parcel lockers or the real time ability to redirect parcels to a Post Office or address of their choice,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.

NSW Police also has a few helpful suggestions to keep your packages as safe as possible.

• Make sure you are aware when your delivery is expected and keep track of your order.
• Try not to have the deliveries left unattended.
• Consider having the parcels delivered to a Post Office for collection or arrange for a secure drop box.
• If you are in a home unit complex, talk with your strata to see what other security measures can be taken to reduce the risk of parcel theft, such as building access etc.
• Protect your deliveries and keep an eye out for thieves.
• Always install a lockable mailbox and use a quality lock on your mailbox.
• Never allow your mailbox to become full or overflow.
• Install security cameras if you’re able to as they are a great investigative tool.

What happens if it’s too late?

If you’ve already noticed your mail has been stolen or tampered with, you should reach out to your local police immediately.

“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,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.

If you want to report a theft, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online community portal.

Deadlines are out!

For those on the opposite end of a package this festive season, Australia Post has released their cut-off dates to ensure it arrives by Christmas Day.

For most of the country, the cut-off for metro locations is December 20, and December 23 for Express Post.

But, in more remote locations, it’s as early as December 13. 

According to Australia Post, they delivered nearly 100 million parcels to customers during November and December of 2023, so if you want Santa to be on time this year, it’s best to get in as early as possible.

They're also reintroducing temporary weekend deliveries starting from this weekend in all metro capitals and select regional cities and towns, to help ensure parcels arrive in time for the festive season.

For specific cut-off dates, check here.

Originally published as The glaring downside to online shopping ahead of Black Friday sales