Parcel theft continues to rise across Australia, with nearly 25 per cent of households reporting a stolen delivery in the past year. Speaking on 6PR Perth, security expert and founder of Nepean Regional Security Gina Field addressed the growing problem and why the festive season significantly increases the risk for households receiving parcels.
Gina explained that alcohol, meat, and food deliveries are currently some of the most targeted items, particularly when boxes are clearly branded and easily identifiable from the street. With millions of parcels moving through delivery networks each day in December, she warned that thieves rely heavily on visibility and speed to commit these offences.
To reduce the risk of theft, Gina encouraged Australians to use parcel tracking, request signature-on-delivery, and insure higher-value items where possible. She also recommended being home for deliveries when practical, asking neighbours to collect parcels, redirecting deliveries to workplaces, or using secure parcel lockers through services like Australia Post and Amazon.
Gina highlighted that while security cameras remain useful for recording incidents, they are no longer a strong deterrent on their own. Instead, she advised combining multiple layers of protection, including sensor lighting, smart doorbells, and ensuring deliveries are kept out of sight whenever possible. She also stressed the importance of reporting stolen parcels to police to help track crime trends and improve prevention efforts.
