December 2022 – While online shopping has become the preferred purchase method for many Australians thanks to crowd-free browsing and the excitement of finding a package by the door, it has led to the rising scourge of porch piracy.
In 2020-21, an estimated 218,200 homes experienced theft that included delivered items1 and this number is likely to increase as online shopping continues to surge with special shopping events such as Black Friday, Amazon Day, Click Frenzy and in the lead up to Christmas. According to Australia Post’s recent Inside Australian Online Shopping eCommerce Industry Report, Australians spent $62.3 billion online in 2021, which accounted for 19.3 per cent of total retail sales2.
“As more retailers enhance their e-commerce channels to make shopping easier, we expect to see the number of online purchases continue to rise, resulting in even more parcel deliveries,” ADT Security Customer Solutions Director Alison Kingdon said.
“This will increase the opportunity for porch pirates and the likelihood of parcel theft, especially during periods of heightened online shopping, when the number of parcels on doorsteps is high.”
ADT Security have the following tips for homeowners during heightened periods of online shopping.
- Review your home security system. Ensure security warning stickers are featured prominently and cameras are positioned to watch the front door, porch and other delivery zones. It is also advisable to consider upgrading existing security systems with smart home features. These allow you to access live camera feeds wherever you are or set movement trackers and geo fence zones that notify you via your mobile device when motion is detected.
- Check your online delivery regularly through the courier’s tracking system. Take note of when the delivery should be expected and don’t be afraid to contact the courier directly to confirm their projected delivery time.
- Prepare for delivery day. Try and be home to collect your parcel; however, if you can’t be there, ask the courier to hold it at their facility until you can pick it up or have the parcel redirected to the post office.
- Don’t waste the ‘instructions’ window when finalising an online order. Take the time to include detailed delivery instructions that specify a safe place on your property where the parcel can be left unattended.
- Arrange for a signature confirmation or identity verification with the courier when choosing the delivery option. This ensures that only you can accept the parcel, or it will be taken to the local post office.
- Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to accept delivery. Add their details to the delivery instructions with the correct name and address so they can accept your parcel on your behalf.
- Invest in a lockbox or parcel container. These can be positioned somewhere safe around your home and can be specified as the delivery point when making an online order.
ENDS
For media enquiries:
Kim Viney
Write Away Communication
P: 0412 868 472
E: kim_viney@therecognitiongroup.com.au
Greg Peake
Write Away Communication
P: 0400 343 138
E: greg_peake@therecognitiongroup.com.au
About ADT Security
With more than a century’s worth of experience and providing electronic security solutions to more than three million residential and commercial customers worldwide, ADT Security is the world’s largest electronic security company. ADT Security’s products include alarm systems and integrated security applications that link access control and CCTV. ADT Security Australia is owned by Johnson Controls. For more information, visit www.adtsecurity.com.au or follow @ADTaustralia on Facebook.
About Johnson Controls
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centres, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
