Who Is Responsible For Stolen Packages?

Most online buyers have experienced the stealing of their packages. It is very common in some states. But the important question is: who is responsible for the stolen package, the customer, seller, delivery partner, or anyone else?

In this article, we will discuss who is responsible and what to do if the package is stolen. We will also explain how the stolen package issue can be prevented.

Will The Police Do Anything About A Stolen Package?

If your package is stolen, you should file a report at the nearest police station as soon as possible. Provide them with every detail, and they will start the investigation. You might get your parcel if you have enough information.

It is not guaranteed that you will get your parcel after filing a report. However, it is quite helpful. You can use the report for insurance claims, complaints, refunds, etc. The responsible seller or the delivery service will start checking for the item; if not found, they must make a refund or send a replacement.

In some states, the police are taking action to minimize package theft issues. Los Angeles Police Department has a Robbery Homicide Division. It investigates these cases and even tries to catch thieves by placing some parcels as bait.

Similarly, the New York City Police Dept. has partnered with Amazon to install package lockers for theft prevention.

Who Is Responsible For Stolen Packages?

UPS

UPS is responsible for making sure that the package is delivered to the provided address. They must deliver the package before the deadline and instruct their riders to handle it carefully.

They provide delivery confirmation by taking the receiver's signature or taking the package picture while delivering. You will also be notified when the package is marked as delivered. Once the package is marked as delivered, their responsibility ends. If the package has been successfully delivered, UPS is not responsible for reimbursement. Customers should file a police complaint and contact the retailer.

Suppose the package is not delivered to you or might get stolen. You must navigate to their online customer support and explain your issue. They have a claim process in which they need proof of the package from the buyer. Once they have investigated that the buyer hasn’t got the parcel, the claim is accepted, and the whole package amount will be given to the customer as compensation.

Amazon

Amazon is top-rated for its best services to customers and quick responses to their concerns. If your product is stolen and you report that to Amazon with sufficient proof, they will initiate a partial or full refund in your account if the claim is legit. You must ensure to file the complaint within the acceptable time frame.

Their policy of refunding encourages people to have a seamless online shopping experience without wasting their money. Amazon also offers to choose the delivery options to have a secure delivery. You can choose Amazon lockers to minimize the risk of products being stolen.

Buyer

The buyer might be responsible for the package misplacement because they haven’t read the delivery instructions and conditions carefully. There should be some instructions for the delivery riders to drop the parcel in a safe location.

If you think the package is stolen, please report it to the concerned delivery partner or the seller organization before the claim time exceeds. Mostly, people report about their parcels after a week or a couple of weeks, so they have very little chance of their claim being accepted.

Prevention Strategies For Stolen Packages

Legislation & Police

The police force must be increased during the peak delivery hours to ensure no one stole the parcel. Penalties for stealing such goods must be increased to create fear among the thieves, which will reduce such crimes.

Law enforcement agencies should educate people on how to get their parcels delivered safely. They must tell the residents to always be at the place when the delivery begins. Residents must keep checking their delivery status if the police alert the neighbors to keep an eye on each other's parcel when it gets delivered to the doorstep. This initiative will help people to reduce crime by contributing to the neighbors.

Delivery Companies

The delivery companies must get the signatures when the product is successfully delivered. Additionally, if they click a photo at that time, it would be great proof in case of disputes. They must put lockers at different locations where consumers can access and get their delivered parcels safely.

Delivery companies should introduce flexible delivery timings so the consumers can easily select when they are at home. Moreover, they must keep sending notifications to the customers to ensure safe delivery. They should allow the customers to write delivery instructions for the riders to leave the parcel at a specific spot.

Consumer

The consumers should keep tracking their packages and be ready when the attempting to deliver notification is shown. If the consumer is not home, he must arrange for someone to collect the package. Consumers must ensure to choose the secure and correct location; they can choose Amazon lockers or select their Amazon Key service in which they deliver the parcels in-home or in-garage.

Another great substitute is installing a Reolink CCTV systems or a Reolink video doorbell camera, allowing you to monitor the package remotely. If the package is stolen, the footage will help you to catch the thief. You also receive instant alerts of any movement. When the parcel is delivered, you will receive a notification. And if there is any thief, you will also get a notification, and you can deter him through the audio, siren, or spotlights.

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What To Do If Your Package Is Stolen?

If your package is stolen, you must report it to the site where you have purchased the product. You must gather all strong proofs for quick claims to get a refund or re-delivery of the product. If you are still stuck in the situation and struggling with support, please report to the nearest police station if you have spent a handsome amount on the package.

FAQs

1. Is Amazon responsible for stolen packages?

Amazon might be responsible for the stolen package because some delivery guys might haven’t read the instructions and left the package in the backyard. In this case, you must report immediately and get the refund.

2. What can I do if I know who stole my package?

You should immediately screenshot all the package information and navigate to the help desk from where you have ordered the product. Explain your issue and provide all the necessary proof to accept the claim. And contact the nearest police station with the proof to catch the thief.

Conclusion

Package stolen issue is rare, but, in some areas, it happens once with every consumer. We have explained who is responsible for the stolen package and some ways to prevent it. The best way to prevent stolen packages is to install a security camera. It will show the live preview, send notifications, and record everything.