Criminals
in South Africa have locked on to a target following the popularity of online
ordering in a post Covid-19 environment – couriers.
An
increase in courier vehicle theft has followed hot on the heels of the increase
in online shopping under lockdown.
According
to Statista’s market and consumer data, the eCommerce industry in South Africa
is expected to reach approximately R62 million in revenue in 2020 and grow by
10% each year.
And with
a projected total of 31.6 million local users by 2024, it’s clear that online
shopping is fast becoming the way forward. Unfortunately, criminals have
identified courier companies and vehicles as easy targets.
“We have
noticed a spike in courier vehicle theft. In a few of these cases, the vehicles
have been recovered but the goods are missing. The fact that the majority of
these vans and vehicles are being taken by force or in armed robberies and
hijackings is of great concern.
Theft of
courier vehicles in Gauteng is markedly higher than in any other province, and
currently poses a significant and growing risk.
The times
at which delivery/courier vehicles are most often stolen are generally
‘off-peak’ traffic hours, with 6% of total thefts occurring between 3-4 AM, 8%
between 10-11 AM and 6% between 3-4 PM.
Tracking
firm Netstar also pointed to an increase in the numbers. The trend, it said, is
to loot the vehicle and leave it behind in the form of a hit and run.
Netstar
said that criminals generally target before close of business, as the vehicles
travelling at night are normally returning to the depot and they are in most
cases empty.
The red
zone is typically the first few hours of the day when vehicles are followed
from the depot. Employees should be extra vigilant during this time and routes
should be varied so that there is no predictable route.
Here are some safety tips for online shoppers:
- Make
sure that you know which courier company will be making a delivery and
when they will do so, just to ensure that you are fully alert and
prepared.
- Include
clear instructions to the courier company for when they reach your home to
avoid them spending extended periods of time outside the property, making
them an easy target.
- If
security alerts have been issued in your area, share these with the
courier company.
- Pick
the most secure spot available for collection of the parcel and signing of
the delivery receipt – ideally one that isn’t publicly accessible.
- When
collecting a parcel, always keep an eye out for suspicious individuals or
vehicles. Alert the courier driver and authorities if anything is amiss
and do not open your gate unless it’s 100% safe to do so.
Don’t forget to insure your parcel or to
take out Goods In transit insurance. For assistance phone 031-5021922 or visit
our website www.esbrokers.co.za
Photo Credits: ACT Logistics
Article featured in Ofm by Alex Terblanche, head of Budget Business