Living in a block of flats in the UK, a resident is stealing parcels being left in communal areas despite notices put up saying delivery drivers shouldn't leave parcels. What can be done?
Posted by OllieUK93@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Can I install a ring camera in a communal space?
Can I put an Airtag in a dummy box and wait for the thief to steal it?
Can I wait and take photos of the person?
What can be done? There are notices up for drivers but they are shoving them at the bottom by the front doors rather than delivering them to the flats.
Earlier today I was in, the parcel was delivered and by the time I'd gone downstairs in 2/3 mins it was already gone.
It's so frustrating
FornyHucker22@reddit
Spring loaded box-o-spiders. Or live crickets / maggots from pet food or fishing bait shops
LichenTheMood@reddit
Crickets I like. After dark figure out who's flat is chirping
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
The simplest idea is your air tag idea. Depending on how brave you feel, either knock on the persons door, waving your phone around, showing that your parcel is there. If they deny it, don’t push it just say must be next door. It might be enough to deter them from doing it again. If you’re friendly with another neighbour, get them to do the same. The other option is that you report the air tagged parcel as a theft to the police, because technically they have stolen the air tag.
missuseme@reddit
I just don't have any parcels delivered to my flat, mostly I have them to work but if that's not suitable I use one of the box things.
apple_kicks@reddit
Does the building have management? Maybe get yourself and residents to petition for parcel lockers to be installed but also second using these in other locations
Kaiisim@reddit
If you tell a company do not put it in the communal area, and they do - the delivery is incomplete and the item was stolen from the delivery company before they completed delivery - so contact the seller and ask for them to refund you or send another. Legally that's your right.
But yeah contact the landlord. They need to provide a secure living environment. Another legal right!
ImmediatePiano6690@reddit
Get a box of shit "delivered" and let them steal that.
DutchOfBurdock@reddit
To answer your questions:
Questionable grey area as it's communal areas. Some residents may have issues regarding invasion of privacy.
Yes. Although, do not act on the location information yourself, use it to report it to the police. You are likely the lose tags. DO NOT create glitter bombs.
Yes. Again, any photos/videos for police reports along with tag data.
What will be done... 🤷♂️
wildeaboutoscar@reddit
You may need to get permission from the building owner if you want to put a Ring doorbell in
Easiest thing is to just send to pick up locations instead.
bahumat42@reddit
Use amazon lockers and the like.
SpicyParsnip@reddit
Ask building management if they can install a camera.
NoodleDoodlesocks@reddit
When ordering, stipulate that they must be handed directly to occupant (or nearest neighbour if you trust them) and must not be left at door or communal area. They might not comply (all of the drivers I've had have complied since I started doing this) but will be easier to get a refund if they don't follow instructions.
TheNinjaPixie@reddit
Get a camera for sure
Past-Obligation1930@reddit
Will get nicked.
Ok-Treacle8973@reddit
You definitely can't install a camera, even a ring doorbell in a communal space
Agitated-Drive7695@reddit
This is one reason to use lockers and collect.
Starboard_1982@reddit
How do you know it's a resident and not someone from outside tailgating the delivery person?
KingKhram@reddit
Why don't you get your deliveries sent to a locker or a collection point? It's not as convenient, but at least you orders aren't getting stolen
acsaid10percent@reddit
Put human faeces in a parcel and leave it there for them.
Lunaspoona@reddit
I had simular and just order to the nearest shop or locker. It's a slight inconvenience but at least I'm not losing money. Our building has cameras but apparently they don't even work. Really annoying when the culprits clearly live here and also know they don't work.
romeo__golf@reddit
Claim a refund from the retailer. If it wasn’t delivered to you, it’s their responsibility.
Digiplannersdesigns@reddit
If the items are small to midsize could you use a parcel locker/collection point. Then you collect them yourself and they are not left unsecured.
danny321eu98@reddit
Get them sent to a amazon locker or something similar instead
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