Recent research indicates a significant rise in “porch piracy,” a term used to describe the theft of packages delivered to homes, as online shopping continues to flourish in Australia. A survey conducted by Finder involving 1,011 participants revealed that approximately 20% of respondents—equating to around 4.1 million Australians—have experienced parcel theft or loss in the past year.
The findings highlight that seven per cent of those surveyed reported having a package stolen right after delivery, while six per cent indicated their items were mistakenly sent to the wrong address, and five per cent experienced parcels that went missing during transit. On average, the value of packages that go missing is assessed at $145, leading to an estimated total loss of about $606 million annually.
Taylor Blackburn, a personal finance expert from Finder, emphasised the substantial financial impact of these thefts, describing the inconvenience they cause to consumers. Black said that opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of unattended deliveries, thus increasing the risk of theft.
Interestingly, Generation Z shoppers, specifically those aged between 13 and 28, are the most vulnerable demographic in this situation, with 30% admitting to having parcels lost or stolen over the past year. Blackburn suggests that households can take proactive steps to protect themselves against parcel theft, such as installing security cameras, tracking package deliveries, or providing specific instructions for delivery personnel.
In cases of theft, Blackburn noted that consumers who paid with a credit card may still have some recourse, as many cards offer purchase protection which could provide refunds for stolen items. Most typical retail purchases, including clothing, electronics, and personal items, are often covered under these protective policies.
It’s not only e-commerce deliveries being targeted; grocery deliveries have also become a target for thieves. There are accounts of individuals stealing groceries right under the noses of recipients, highlighting how brazen these thefts can be.
As online shopping habits evolve, the trend of porch piracy is likely to continue, stressing the importance for consumers to take necessary precautions to safeguard their purchases.