Frustrated residents living in Manchester apartment blocks claim their parcels keep going missing, and fear it will 'only get worse' in the run up to Christmas.
Certain homeowners in the city's Green Quarter say deliveries' regularly go missing. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating parcel thefts in and around the Green Quarter area which they said is 'particularly prevalent in communal entrances' and have urged residents to remain 'vigilant'.
In January, Living City, who manage some apartment blocks in the Green Quarter, including Britton House and Cypress Place, have alerted residents about the problem of 'tailgating' - where people who do not live there follow behind residents and sneak in through gates and doors.
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Residents have suggested the introduction of parcel lockers to keep deliveries safely stored until they can be collected or an increased security presence around the sites in a bid to tackle the problem.
Stephen Squires, who lives at Britton House, said: "We have had issues with parcel thefts for several years now. We have pushed and pushed for extra site security that we would pay for through our service charge and more simple solutions like parcel lockers but we haven't got anywhere.
"We have kept in touch with the police and our local sergeant has been helpful but there is only so much the police can do.
"The police have taken CCTV in the past and the problem just seems to be getting worse at present. There are reports of stolen parcels every single day on our Facebook group.
"The parcel delivery companies are also to blame for this as they just dump all parcels in the building entrances and make no attempt to contact the recipients or not deliver if people aren't available to accept them.
"This problem will only get worse in the run up to Christmas and whilst parcels can be replaced, gifts sent by family and friends can't."
Emma Croydon, who also lives at Britton House, said she had a parcel delivered on November 22 with a picture of the parcel in a foyer that wasn't her apartment block. When she went down to go and get it, it had gone, prompting a refund from the company.
However a couple of days later, after posting about the missing delivery in the Green Quarter Facebook group, she said the parcel reappeared and had been sellotaped over after being opened.
"My parcel was delivered to the wrong building in the Green Quarter, but when I went to get it literally a couple of hours later, it wasn't there," she said.
"About five days later, someone messaged me and said the parcel was back downstairs. It seemed to have been opened and someone had re-sealed it with smaller, weaker sellotape, so someone has opened it and put it back because they didn't want it."
In the Green Quarter Facebook group, The Manchester Evening News counted numerous posts from concerned residents regarding missing parcels. On December 14, one user wrote: "Has anyone accidentally taken my 2 ASOS parcel that were delivered today? I came downstairs and there were none."
On November 24, another posted: "Hello, did anyone see this parcel in Melia House A, it was delivered at 11:46am yesterday and is not there. It was my work Christmas party dress and now my size is out of stock."
Another resident, of Cypress Place, Dominic Adams, has had parcels stolen on two occasions in the years he has lived there. More recently, a BooHoo parcel which he had been notified as being delivered, had been taken from the reception area within a matter of minutes.
Dominic said: "It has been an ongoing problem ever since I have moved in. Two months ago, I ordered a Boohoo parcel and had all the communication to show it had been dropped off in the foyer. In about half an hour of getting the email, it had been taken.
"I had to get the police involved and got a crime reference number for the incident, but the police have told me that they are yet to review CCTV footage from Living City.
"It's a known problem that we have got here. A possible solution would be to bring in some lockers or something where parcels could be safely stored until they can be collected."
Living City has previously issued updates to residents via their online portal about the issue of crime locally and urging people living in their managed blocks to remain vigilant and report any thefts to their local PCSO. Living City did not respond to repeated requests for comment by the Manchester Evening News.
Superintendent Paul Walker of City of Manchester’s District said: “With Christmas fast approaching, it is likely that many of us will be ordering goods online and having them delivered to our homes. With this in mind, Greater Manchester Police would like to encourage everyone to take appropriate action when ordering items online, ensuring they are protected to prevent parcel theft.
“The issue is particularly prevalent in communal entrances within apartment blocks. It is important to be vigilant and challenge people who want access to the building. We are currently investigating the parcel thefts from the Green Quarter and our neighbourhood officers are actively encouraging all residents in the area and across the district to be vigilant when ordering online to communal areas and leaving valuables unattended.
“Our officers are working with partners at apartment complexes and their security staff as well as distributing crime prevention materials such as leaflets and posters to educate the public and delivery drivers of the risk they pose when leaving valuables and parcels unattended.
“The impact of this crime is not to be underestimated, especially at this time of year with many parcels being delivered are Christmas gifts for family, friends and loved ones.”
Greater Manchester Police went on to issue advice to people worried about parcels going missing or being stolen in the run up to Christmas. This includes requesting a signed for delivery, tracking the parcel and ensuring someone is at home or using a secure off-site locker.
And with councillors warning that parcel theft in city centre apartment blocks could be on the rise in the run up to Christmas, a new campaign has been launched to combat the issue. Manchester Labour have warned about 'tailgating' and parcel theft increasing since the pandemic. Tips on how to prevent deliveries being stolen can be viewed online and you can request posters here.
If you have ordered a delivery which has not arrived first contact the delivery company. If you think a parcel has been stolen or notice anyone acting suspicious, you can make a report online at www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Always dial 999 if it’s an emergency. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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