Neighbour stealing from mail order parcels?

zaksmum

We have a neighbour who, like all of us in this area, takes parcels in for others if they're out when the parcel arrives.

Several of us have had problems though, with missing items. One lady had ordered shoes and a jacket, which came in the same parcel and when she went to collect it from the neighbour, the parcel had been opened. The jacket was missing although the invoice said it had been included in the parcel.

The excuse was that "the baby" (a 4 year old) had opened it and she'd had to tape it up again.

Another lady had 2 identical items delivered, to check the best fit, and again one went missing while in the safekeeping of this other person. She maintained it was handed over as delivered.

And today she took in a parcel for me - again, some missing items.

I rang the company and they're adamant the parcel contained all ordered items.

Looks like she's helping herself - but what can we do without proof?

Person_one

For starters, I'd put instructions on all your deliveries that they mustn't be left with neighbours but should go to the depot. Tell the postman/woman in person next time you see them too.

If you've had something stolen, call the police, as you would with any other theft.

KateLiana27

I'd go over with everyone who has had items taken, and calmly explain that as there seems to be a problem with things going missing, you have all decided it would be best if she did not accept any parcels from any of you again. She will realise you're onto her, and if things aren't left with her she won't be able to steal them, solving the problem in the future.

As for what has already gone missing - did you explicitly give permission for the parcel to be left with a neighbour at the time of ordering? If not, it's the company's responsibility and they should be replacing the items.

PasturesNew

Get in touch with the Daily Mail and get them to send some packages to her house ..... and compare what they sent -v- what you got.... they'd do a full name/shame with photos. That'd stop her.

Slinky

Put a note on your door saying something like Under no circumstances leave parcels with number 53

Person_one

Slinky wrote: »

Put a note on your door saying something like Under no circumstances leave parcels with number 53

I wouldn't do that, alerts people to the fact that you're not in and might make you a target for burglars.

Mupette

send a parcel to yourself and leave a note inside saying caught red handed. ?

pmlindyloo

Have you all actually spoken to the woman about the missing items?

If it were me I would go round on mass and tell her what you suspect.

This is theft and you could report her to the police. I am not sure whether they would do anything because of lack of evidence but if it had happened to one person then it could be a mistake - 2/3 instances makes it more likely that she is keeping the items.

If you don't want to report her then tell her that you won't report it to the police if she hands the items back.

Also make sure that you all put a notice on your door saying that parcels must not be left at number ......

PS Are all these items coming from the same place or different? Different places gives you a stronger case.

pinkmami

I'd have a meeting with the other residents. Each explain what you believe is missing, go round to hers, tell her about your suspicions then give her the choice of handing back the items or you'll report her.

also instruct the Post Office that no items should be left with her. x

zaksmum

We haven't actually spoken to her as she's not the nicest person. Just comparing notes and so far quite a few of us have had stuff missing from parcels she's taken in.

I have given permission for a parcel to be left at a neighbour's as prior to this we never had any trouble, and everyone would help out by taking in parcels for others if they were out.

Don't really want to call the police at this stage as she's a skint single mother.

Acc72

What has the supplier said about this ?

As they despatched all of the goods, are you expected to pay for everything or are they writing off the missing items ?

I am not sure how this works, but I wouldn't be surprised if this left a negative mark against your name somewhere.

As other have said, on the "special instructions" bit on the order, just put "do not leave with neighbours - return any undelivered items to depot" or something similar.