Mail fail: 4.2 million parcels have gone missing in the past year
Lost parcel deliveries are impacting a growing number of people, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,077 Australians revealed 1 in 5 (21%) have had a parcel lost or stolen in the past 12 months.
That's a staggering 4.2 million missing parcels since April 2022.
Finder's research found 5% of Aussies have had a package stolen from their home after it had been delivered – the equivalent to 1.01 million parcels nationally.
One in eight Australians (12%) have had a parcel get lost in transit, while 4% had a parcel delivered to the wrong address.
The average total cost of the items reported lost or stolen was $129, which equates to a whopping $541 million worth of packages in the past year alone.
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said it was a growing problem.
"Millions of Aussies have ordered something online, only for it to never arrive.
"On top of costing Aussies millions every year, it's also a pain in the neck to try to track it down."
Finder's research shows Gen Z is the unluckiest generation when it comes to parcels disappearing – with 26% having a parcel not arrive in the past year.
Pike said package thieves are taking advantage of the huge spike in online shopping.
"The parcel pirates are opportunistic – taking their chances on unattended packages."
Pike said there are steps consumers can take to keep their online orders safe.
"Make a note of the estimated delivery date so you know roughly when to expect your package.
"If you're not going to be home, it's worth making alternative arrangements for your deliveries.
"Requesting a signature on delivery, installing a doorbell camera or leaving instructions for your courier to drop your delivery in a secure location can all help to minimise the risk of theft."
| Have you had a parcel go missing in the past 12 months? | |
|---|---|
| Yes, it was delivered to the wrong address | 4% |
| Yes, it was stolen from my address | 5% |
| Yes, it was lost in transit | 12% |
| No | 79% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,077 Australians, April 2023 |
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