How to stop ‘porch pirates’ stealing your parcels this Christmas
As the Christmas season fast approaches, Australia Post has issued a serious warning for customers to “be on high alert” ahead of a spike in opportunistic thievery across the country.
Australia Post has issued a major warning to customers ahead of the holiday season, warning them to beware of a spike in “porch pirates” plotting to steal gifts from doorsteps.
Porch pirates - thieves who steal unattended deliveries at residential properties - are using the gift giving season as an opportunity to take for themselves, warned Australia Post General Manager Group Security, Kevin Zuccato.
The warning was echoed by the chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith.
“We see an increase in parcel theft around Christmas, with opportunistic thieves looking for any chance to strike quickly and quietly,” Smith said.
Australia Post has offered customers some tips to outsmart thieves and avoid disappointment this gift giving season.
“We’re encouraging customers to consider our secure delivery options to reduce the risk of this happening” Zuccato said.
Australia Post’s tips for making sure your parcels don’t get stolen include using the free 24/7 parcel lockers, using the AusPost app to track and request parcels to be left in a secure spot or going old-school and collecting your precious items from a Post Office.
Mr Zuccato urges not to leave these simple steps until it’s too late.
“If a parcel is stolen after it has been delivered it becomes a matter for Police, however we’re encouraging customers to consider our secure delivery options to reduce the risk of this happening,” Zuccato said.
“Simple steps like choosing secure delivery options and reporting any suspicious behaviour can make a real difference. If you have footage of suspicious activity or information about a theft, share it with Crime Stoppers to help prevent further incidents,” Smith said.
Last year Australia Post delivered 103 million parcels in the lead up to Christmas, smashing previous records.
This years total is expected to break records once more, with the hope that customers can use simple steps to avoid disappointment.
Originally published as How to stop ‘porch pirates’ stealing your parcels this Christmas
