There are many issues in the postal world, not least of which is identity theft and mail theft. From a new demand in parcels and post, to a hike in crime and lost items by couriers, there are many different things to be on the lookout for.
Think your mail is being stolen? There’s a checklist of who to contact at the end of this blog, too!
Mail Theft: The Stats
Overall, there were over 2,600 reports of theft and mail offences in 2019-2020. This was was likely due to the influx of parcels each household brought. While this is a small decrease from the year before, as the UK lifts lockdown measures, the rates of mail crime may increase.
However, with postal workers having to look after more and more parcels due to an increase in demand, Lifestyle Daily reported a total of 7.5million parcels being lost or stolen since lockdown began.
Identity Theft: The Stats
While only approximately 5% of all identity theft is committed by stealing physical mail, every person on paper billing should remain cautious. Your mail can often provide sensitive information to your thief. This includes your full name, date of birth, invoice address, PIN number, new physical cards and more.
Often with mail theft, this data is either sold or traded. This can lead to financial fraud in cases where a card and/or PIN number has been compromised.
How Smart Parcel Box Can Help
Smart Parcel Box can help by keeping your letters and parcels safe 365 days a year. Anti-phishing bars are installed in all our of boxes, which makes it impossible for someone to reach into your box and steal the parcel.
Each box also comes with 3 keys and at least one lock. This means that only the key holder can retrieve your mail and parcels. Larger versions of these parcel boxes also have front and rear access to your delivery, both protected by a lock.
Our weatherproof parcel drop delivery box won’t weaken over time when exposed to the elements. This prevents rust and the breakdown of the box itself. Not only that, but with a parcel box you won’t receive any safe place cards that reveal your safe space, or any more ‘sorry we missed you’ cards. These type of cards make it easier for thieves to know when you’re not home, and we don’t want that.
The large and extra large parcel boxes can also be bolted to the floor for added security, and accept multiple parcels at a time to ensure none get abandoned on your doorstep.
Is Your Mail Being Stolen?
💡 Did you know: In October 2020 we did a blog on the strain the online shopping boom has put upon couriers. Give it a read!
If you think your mail is being stolen, but you haven’t invested in a Smart Parcel Box yet, it is important to take action.
You can:
- Call the police (non-emergency number) to report the interference with your mail, and the theft. Simply dial 101 to connect.
- Inform Royal Mail/the courier. If your mail/parcel has been left in an insecure location without your consent, you could be entitled to compensation.
- You could also register with Royal Mail Keepsafe. This service can cost anywhere between £16 – £82 depending on how long you want them to keep your mail for. This can be run for a maximum of 100 days, and takes 5 days’ notice for them to set up.
- If renting a property, also inform your landlord or landlady. This helps them to keep a look out, and inform future tenants, too.
💡 Did you know: you can pay for your Smart Parcel box in 3 interest-free instalments? Just select ‘Pay with Klarna’ at check out.
