'Taking advantage': Holiday warning as 2.7 million Aussies lose $468 million

'Taking advantage': Holiday warning as 2.7 million Aussies lose $468 million. Source: Getty

Australians are reminded to be vigilant of their parcel deliveries, with millions falling victim to thieves in 2020, Finder.com.au data has revealed.

A survey of more than 1,000 Aussies found that, in the last year, 14 per cent have had a package stolen from their home after it had been delivered. That’s around 2.7 million Aussies falling victim to ‘parcel pirates’.

The total losses incurred add up to a whopping $468 million, or $172.30 per Aussie.

Personal finance expert at Finder, Kate Browne, said now more than ever, it’s important for Aussies to take precautions when shopping online.

“These parcel pirates are opportunistic, and are banking on people being out of the house at certain times of the day,” she said.

“At this time of year, package thieves are taking advantage of the huge spike in deliveries in the lead up to Christmas and stealing parcels to sell online.”

How can I protect myself from parcel pirates?

1. Track your parcel: Browne said Aussies should take advantage of adding a tracking number to their parcels. “In most cases they’ll send you a message with an estimated delivery day so you can make sure you’re at home to receive it,” she said.

2. Sign on delivery: Some retailers will give you the option to ‘sign on delivery’, which adds an extra layer of protection, Browne said. Just bear in mind that if you’re not home, you’ll need to go to the post office to collect your item.

3. Set up a porch cam: Having a camera at your door can deter thieves from stealing your deliveries. If they do still take off with a parcel, you have a better shot at identifying who did it, and recovering your items.

If you know you’re rarely home, another option is a parcel locker, Browne said. These are free to use and open 24/7.

“These options might cost a bit extra but it’s a small price to pay for the security of your Christmas shopping.”

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