Third-party logistics provider, B dynamic Logistics, is warning shoppers across Australia to be prepared for this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales as parcel theft hits record levels.
According to B dynamic Logistics cofounder and CEO, Mal Siriwardhane, nearly 220,000 households in the 2021 financial year experienced theft that included delivered online shopping parcels.
He said the number is expected to reach record levels this year.
“While the increased cost of living is delivering unparalleled sales and discounts across the retail sector and as a result, this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday events are tipped to be the biggest yet, we are also seeing a rise in the number of parcels being taken from people’s front doors,” he said.
“As the warehousing, logistics and parcel delivery service for many retailers across the country, we are already preparing for a massive season of online sales as we head into November and December.”
Siriwardhane said November is rivalling and in some cases even outdoing December in online sales, thanks to the Black Friday Sales which take place on 24 November and Cyber Monday on 27 November.
“Retailers across the country are preparing massive sales with deep discounts intended to excite and surprise shoppers,” he said.
“Everything is pointing to a massive season of online sales.”
Last year, online traffic in the retail segment reportedly saw an increase of over 70 per cent in online sessions on Black Friday compared to the previous week.
“This means there will be a lot more parcels being delivered over the following days and weeks,” Siriwardhane said.
“Doorstep parcel theft is usually a crime of opportunity and shoppers need to be prepared and ensure they have a good plan in place to avoid their parcels being taken, especially now that many people are back at work.”
To combat this, Siriwardhane suggests a series of tips to reduce the impact of ‘porch pirates’.
Wireless surveillance cameras are at the forefront of these strategies, which are easy to install and can be purchased from most hardware stores.
Most include an app as well, which allows users to view their front door from anywhere as long as they have internet access.
Placing security stickers around your windows is a good idea too, he said, to let thieves know your home is being surveilled.
Purchasing items from retailers that offer parcel tracking, such as B dynamic Logistics, will also help.
“As the logistics and delivery partner for many retailers we offer customers the ability to track the journey, location and delivery of their items in transit,” Siriwardhane said.
“This is a valuable tool that provides you with transparency and the ability to better manage the delivery process.
“If you have a better understanding of when something is going to be delivered you can arrange to be there or make alternative arrangements so your parcel isn’t left sitting at your front door.”
He also highly recommends avoiding items to be left on front porches unattended.
“Depending on the options available to you when completing your delivery information at the online checkout, if you are intending to be home or have someone at home to collect the item, ensure you tick the signature confirmation box,” he said.
In the scenario where you can’t be at home to accept a delivery, he suggests asking a trusted neighbour to collect it for you.
“Often if you can’t be at home to accept a delivery, the driver will take it to the post office,” he said.
“This is not always convenient for people. If you can’t be home, arrange with a neighbour or friend to collect the item for you from the front door. This is a better option than letting the item sit exposed on your doorstep.”
Lastly, a lockable box enables delivery drivers to leave your delivery in a safe place. They range in price, and according to Siriwardhane, are proving to be a solid investment.
“Many seasoned shoppers now have a smart lockable box at their front door which enables the delivery driver to simply open the box and drop the item into the box,” he said.
“The lock on the box can be controlled remotely via an app which enables the shopper to unlock the box before the delivery driver arrives and then lock it again once the item is deposited into the box.
“Lock boxes range in price and are proving to be a solid investment, especially for those who purchase items online regularly, which is most households these days.”
