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Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

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Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#11

Post by joshvm »

As other commenters from the UK have said, here you can't just leave a package outside someone's doorstep without a signature here. If the delivery company does this and you have no parcel, you just get on the phone to Amazon and tell them to send a replacement.

If theft is so common in the area and you can't simply reorder the product (for free) then surely buying some kind of secure lockbox is a better solution? Most courier companies will let you provide additional details like an entry code.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#13

Post by idunno246 »

saulr wrote: post #9

Always found this problem quite interesting. In the UK, parcels are rarely if ever left on the porch. If you aren't in there's a few options: a) they deliver it to a neighbour and post a card through your door saying "it's been left at number X"; b) they leave it in a safe space (typically throw it over your garden fence); or c) return it to the delivery office for you to specify when to redeliver or pick it up yours…

The not delivered slip has that option, but ive never had it used, but c) is often used. In suburbs theres really not much problem just leaving it by the door, in the city theres not really a clear neighbor. also, nobody else is home during the day, and if youre a delivery driver its probably better for your schedule to not deliver it than go searching for someone.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#14

Post by coke12 »

lmartel wrote: post #6

Here's what you're missing: I do a lot of online shopping, but packages getting stolen have cost me, personally, $0. Your proposal would cost me > $0. Why should I participate?

There's a few benefits that a solution could provide: (1) protection from weather like rain or strong wind; (2) protection from nosey neighbors finding out about sensitive deliveries; (3) long-term storage for deliveries when you're on vacation; and (4) protection from theft.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#15

Post by justincormack »

joshvm wrote: post #11

As other commenters from the UK have said, here you can't just leave a package outside someone's doorstep without a signature here. If the delivery company does this and you have no parcel, you just get on the phone to Amazon and tell them to send a replacement. If theft is so common in the area and you can't simply reorder the product (for free) then surely buying some kind of secure lockbox is a better solution? Mo…

You can, and it does happen. But yes, you would get a replacement if its not there.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#16

Post by DanBC »

> Obviously, the better solution would be bait packages with tracking devices that would alert law enforcement when moved and serve as probable cause for searches...

This is a start up idea. You design and sell a gadget that is put inside a parcel. You sell it to law enforcement, or to delivery companies.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#17

Post by cperciva »

saulr wrote: post #9

Always found this problem quite interesting. In the UK, parcels are rarely if ever left on the porch. If you aren't in there's a few options: a) they deliver it to a neighbour and post a card through your door saying "it's been left at number X"; b) they leave it in a safe space (typically throw it over your garden fence); or c) return it to the delivery office for you to specify when to redeliver or pick it up yours…

Most people don't know who their neighbours are, never mind trusting them with their packages.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#18

Post by thisone »

An easier option is to have your items delivered to a local pickup location

Amazon offers it https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_366591722_2?_encoding=... as well as having other pickup options in the UK (though I see in the US, there are not as many parcel dropoff services! is this an area for growth?)

Another UK example is Argos which has some partnership with eBay where you can have some purchases delivered to a local branch.

Most bricks and mortar stores will ship for free to your local store for pickup.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#19

Post by M4v3R »

craigds wrote: post #8

Is this actually a real problem or just an imagined one? Anyway don't couriers normally require recipient signature? If a courier left a package on my doorstep in NZ I'd probably complain.

I think it's mainly a US thing. Here in Poland it's also unheard of that courier would leave the package unattended on the doorstep, because recipient's signature is required.

Re: Ask HN: A simple, low-tech way to reduce the package theft problem from homes?

#20

Post by monk_e_boy »

cperciva wrote: post #17
saulr wrote: post #9

Always found this problem quite interesting. In the UK, parcels are rarely if ever left on the porch. If you aren't in there's a few options: a) they deliver it to a neighbour and post a card through your door saying "it's been left at number X"; b) they leave it in a safe space (typically throw it over your garden fence); or c) return it to the delivery office for you to specify when to redeliver or pick it up yours…

Most people don't know who their neighbours are, never mind trusting them with their packages.

Just knock on their door and say hello ;) But we take in parcels for our neighbours and they do the same for us. If the postman leaves a notes saying it's at no. X, if we turned up at no. X and ask for it - what could they say? "Oh we stole it" it makes no sense. Plus I live next door to them, who would fuck with their neighbours? There are easier ways to steal stuff.
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