Googling help with tracking parcels rockets by 5000% – Experts give their tips for missing parcels

With Christmas delivery deadlines on us, many of us are about to wrap up our festive online shopping. But with the Royal Mail strikes, and unreliable delivery times, parcels can go missing, arrive damaged or even get stolen.

Googling help about missing parcels has significantly increased in the last 7 days, specifically around courier trackers such as “Evri tracking” which has risen by 5000%.

The security experts at ADT have revealed their top tips on how to prevent your deliveries from going missing this winter and what to do if they’ve been stolen:

1.Track your parcel

Track your parcel to know when it is due to be delivered. If possible, ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery so that it’s not left outside for hours unattended.

2. Install a video doorbell 

If you are not able to be at home when a delivery is scheduled to arrive, it is a really good idea to have a video doorbell installed. Most video doorbells can be accessed from your phone so you are notified immediately of any delivery.

3. Leave with a neighbour

If you will not be home, you might want to arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour or other family members who will be at home. However, this might not be a good idea if you don’t know your neighbours well. If you specified that the courier can leave it in a safe place or leave it with a neighbour, and the parcel is missing, then you’ll have a harder time getting a replacement or a refund as you’ve essentially said that you’re happy for it to be left anywhere or with anyone.

 4. Use the courier’s services

Many couriers offer an off-site locker service. These parcel boxes are likely to be in busy, safe locations such as supermarkets or shops rather than secluded areas. 

 5. Security lights 

As the clocks change, the nights get darker, which provides the perfect cover for burglars. While a small change, installing security lighting is likely to deter burglars from picking up your parcel. Whether it’s a smart plug connected to light devices turning on and off that gives the appearance of occupancy or motion-activated flood light, the light will act as a deterrent and scare a potential thief off.

Glenn Amato, Managing Director of ADT UK&I Subscriber adds: “According to the Consumer Rights Act, when you buy online, your contract is with the retailer, not the courier. This means that if your parcel has been lost, stolen or damaged, your first port of call is with the company you bought from.

Glenn reminds us that the issue can be taken further if necessary: “If you think your parcel has been stolen, it is a crime, so please make sure you contact the police on 101.

“Make sure you provide them with any photographic evidence, this could be from cameras or video doorbell footage and the correspondence between you and the retailer. The police may investigate the issue further, but also, telling the police allows them to build a picture of the crime in your local area and respond accordingly.”