How to Prevent Package Theft
Reduce porch theft and unattended-delivery risk. Follow this step-by-step guide to interpret the available information, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right next action.
Quick answer
Reduce porch theft and unattended-delivery risk.
Best next step
Use lockers, pickup points, delivery alerts, signatures, or an authorised safe place.
Step-by-step checklist
Verify the tracking details
Copy the number directly from the order page or shipping message. Confirm the carrier name and check that letters and digits were not confused.
Read the complete latest event
Note its timestamp, location, delivery estimate, and any request for action. A short headline may omit important details.
Check for a carrier handover
International and marketplace shipments may transfer to a local postal operator. Look for a partner name or replacement tracking number.
Take the appropriate action
Use lockers, pickup points, delivery alerts, signatures, or an authorised safe place.
Common reasons and what they mean
- Processing time: the sender may have created a label before handing over the parcel.
- Travel between facilities: no public scan may appear while the parcel is inside a truck, aircraft, or consolidated container.
- Customs or partner transfer: international events can take time to synchronise between systems.
- Operational disruption: weekends, holidays, weather, and hub congestion can change the delivery estimate.
Safety reminder
PostIndex provides tracking guidance and does not transport parcels. Enter personal or payment information only on a carrier, retailer, or customs website you have independently verified. Unexpected redelivery or customs-fee messages are a common form of phishing.
When to contact the sender or carrier
Start with the carrier when the latest event contains a clear delivery instruction, address issue, pickup deadline, or payment request. Contact the sender when a label never receives an acceptance scan, the parcel is returned, a claim must be opened, or the purchase needs replacement or refund. Keep the tracking number, order confirmation, delivery estimate, and screenshots of important events.
Related tracking statuses
In Transit
Read the meaning, usual next event, and recommended action.
Transit Delay
Read the meaning, usual next event, and recommended action.
Shipment Information Received
Read the meaning, usual next event, and recommended action.
Related guides
Package Tracking Scam Warning Signs
Recognise fake delivery messages, payment links, and support websites.
Fake Customs Fee Messages
Spot fraudulent requests for import duty or redelivery payment.
How to Prevent Package Theft FAQ
Does a tracking gap mean the parcel is lost?
No. Scan gaps can occur during transport, customs processing, weekends, or a carrier handover. Use the delivery estimate and detailed event history before assuming loss.
How long should I wait?
Wait until the carrier’s current estimated delivery window unless the tracking page asks for immediate action. For urgent shipments, contact the carrier with the service level and tracking number.
Can PostIndex change the delivery?
No. Delivery changes, claims, payments, and address corrections must be handled by the responsible carrier, retailer, or sender.