Black Friday bandits: 21,800 parcels targeted by thieves
Thousands of Black Friday shoppers have become victims of parcel theft, according to new research by Finder.
Finder analysis revealed 0.42% of packages posted over the Black Friday sales period are likely to be poached by porch pirates.
With 6 million Aussies shopping during Black Friday last month – that’s an estimated 21,800 parcels* that have been pinched since 24 November.
The average total cost of missing items was $129, which equates to a whopping $2.8 million worth of packages during the Black Friday period.
Finder research shows 5% of Australians – equivalent to 1 million people – have had their parcel stolen in the past 12 months.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said “porch pirates” were a growing threat.
“Thousands of Aussies have ordered something online during the Black Friday sales, only to have it snatched from the front door.
“The loss can be an expensive one – not to mention the stress of having Christmas presents unaccounted for.”
Cooke said package thieves are taking advantage of the huge spike in online shopping.
“These porch pirates are monitoring delivery driver movements and pouncing before recipients have a chance to collect their packages.”
Cooke urged consumers to protect their purchases over the coming weeks.
“With the pre-Christmas online shopping season now in full swing – opportunistic thieves will be out in force.
“Installing a lockable parcel box or setting up a Wi-Fi camera outside the front door can deter thieves from nabbing your latest delivery.
“Sending parcels to your workplace or a parcel locker is another way to secure your stuff from thieving hands.”
Cooke said regular online shoppers should look for a credit card that offers protection cover.
“Credit card purchase protection gives you cover for eligible items if they are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged and can usually cover items for up to 90 days from the purchase date.”
*Finder’s estimate is based on 5% of consumers reporting that they had a package stolen in the last year and assumes an average of one parcel delivered per month to households who receive parcels. The final figure was calculated using Australia Post statistics showing 5.2 million households made an online purchase between 20 November and 3 December 2023.
See how much Aussies are losing to parcel theft each year.
