Christmas mail stolen?: How can you prevent package thieves?

If the package is lost during delivery, the responsibility lies with the post office. However, as soon as it is delivered correctly to the buyer, the responsibility passes to the customer. Unless the buyer requests a special delivery method, the package is considered correctly delivered if:

• It was given directly to the buyer.
• The recipient of the mail has authorized delivery to have the package delivered to a predefined location (for example, a stairwell).
• The postman left the package somewhere safe and protected from the weather around the house.
• Located in a milk crate or parcel box (if there is space).

In the event of shipments being lost or stolen after such correct delivery, the post office is not responsible as stated upon request of Blick. In such a case, he recommends leaving packages unattended in the milk crate or stairwell for as short a time as possible to minimize the risk of theft.

Alternative deliveries minimize the risk of theft

If this is not possible the post office offers three alternative delivery options.

With PickPost service Customers can have their parcels and registered letters sent free of charge to alternative delivery points such as a Migros branch, train station counter or gas station. Advantage: Packages can be stored securely at pickup points. Collection is also possible at off-peak times or on weekends. You must log in to the post office to use the service.

24/7 pickup is available for a fee. My Post 24 service possible. Lockers can be rented from the post office in many parts of Switzerland; Here packages can be picked up and dropped off day and night.

As a third option, Swiss Post offers its customers Online service My posts Determine the time, place and type of delivery yourself. This way, you can be sure that you will be at home when the delivery arrives. Or set the workplace as the delivery address.

Include post office, police and insurance

At Blick’s request, the post office writes that the loss and theft rate on the shipments it delivers is only 0.1 per thousand (0.01 percent). The post office recommends that unlucky people who lose a package contact the post office first. You then order an investigation. If the suspicion that the shipment has been stolen is confirmed, customers are required to report the theft to the police and the theft to their insurance company. Most home insurance policies cover package theft with a deductible of a few hundred francs.

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