As online shopping continues to surge, many of us find ourselves in the position of holding onto a neighbour’s unattended parcel. While it may be tempting to simply leave it outside their door, there are important legal and ethical considerations to keep in mind.
According to legal expert Dean Dunham, the safest course of action is to make a reasonable effort to contact the recipient and arrange for the parcel’s collection. “If you’ve knocked on the door and left a note without success, your next step should be to try and get their phone number,” he advises. “You may need to check with other neighbours or look online to find a way to reach them directly.”
Failing that, Dunham suggests contacting the delivery company. “They will be able to advise you on the proper procedure for dealing with an uncollected item. In some cases, they may even be able to arrange a redelivery or collection directly from your home.”
Leaving the parcel outside carries risks, both for the item itself and potential legal liability. “If the parcel goes missing or is stolen after you’ve left it unattended, you could potentially be held responsible,” Dunham cautions. “It’s always better to keep it safe in your own home until the recipient can collect it.”
Data from consumer group Which? reveals that over 2 million UK households experienced parcel theft in the past year, underscoring the importance of securing undelivered items. The average value of a stolen parcel is estimated at £81, making it a significant financial and logistical headache for affected consumers.
Ultimately, the ethical and prudent approach is to make a genuine effort to reunite the parcel with its rightful owner. “As a good neighbour, you have a responsibility to safeguard their property to the best of your ability,” Dunham concludes. “With a little patience and diligence, you can ensure the parcel reaches its destination safely.”