HARDWARE & SECURITY
HOME DELIVERY IS BOOMING – BUT HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR PARCELS SAFE ?
» WHILE WE ADOPT A VARIABLE approach to working – a mix between home and the office , some things remain constant . One trend that looks set to stay is the popularity of home deliveries . The convenience of online shopping is certainly a factor , but consumer behaviours have changed and combined with the desire to remain socially distanced and the closure of some retailors means that more of us are now having goods delivered directly to our homes .
The rise in the number of home deliveries has been accompanied by a similar rise in thefts . According to the 2020 Package Theft Statistics Report , thefts of home deliveries rose from 36 % in 2019 to 43 % in 2020 .
Dealing with unpredictability
While the popularity of home deliveries remains constant , our work patterns have changed . Many of us are now working either fully or partly from home , whilst some are returning to the office . For those that have adopted a hybrid working approach there is a need to ensure parcel deliveries are received – and relying on a ‘ safe place ’ isn ’ t always enough . The same is true of work deliveries . Some business premises are unattended a proportion of the week . Others are now manned by a skeleton team – and staff can ’ t always be available to sign for a parcel .
As well disrupting our working lives , the increase in online purchases has created unique problems for both couriers and recipients of home deliveries . Drivers now need a way to enable customers to sign for packages without making physical contact . One way to do this is for the courier to take a picture of the parcel as the customer holds open their door – but this isn ’ t always convenient or possible .
Some recipients may wish to quarantine packages – raising the issue of where they can be left and stored safely .
Time to adapt
With home deliveries now a big part of our lives , it ’ s clear that we need to adapt – for the benefit of businesses , recipients and delivery drivers . Luckily , a solution already exists , in the form of secure parcel containers . CITIBIN originally designed its PARCELBIN boxes to provide safe places for couriers to leave domestic deliveries and protect homeowners from parcel thieves . Since lockdown , the PARCELBIN has found a new use , enabling couriers to leave deliveries without
needing to interact with the recipient . For security , the PARCELBIN is fitted with KitLock by Codelocks – digital locks that are specially designed for lockers and cabinets . The owner simply programs a 4-digit code into the lock and the PARCELBIN will then remain locked until that specific code is entered – either by the user or by a delivery person .
By providing a safe place for parcels and enabling couriers to reliably record delivery , PARCELBIN can accept recorded deliveries and keep parcels safe from ‘ porch pirates ’.
Storage solutions to make life easier
PARCELBIN is just one example of how Codelocks ’ contactless access control solutions can be used to provide secure outdoor storage . As well as giving customers peace of mind , adding a coded lock to a storage container , cabinet , shed or locker , can help businesses and delivery firms by reducing the claims of stolen packages .
Garden theft is also on the rise . On average , one in seven properties experience a theft from the garden . Contactless access control – especially Codelocks Marine Grade products , which are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions – are ideal for securing any outdoor storage . Coded lock storage solutions give isolating people a way to receive food parcels without physical contact and even provide a secure place to keep parcels if they wish to quarantine them .
With the drive to reduce the use of single use plastic , milk deliveries are becoming more popular . A cold storage box using a contactless access solution such as the KL1200 KitLock or the new KL1100 KeyPad KitLock would prevent it from going off if left in warm conditions .
In an uncertain world , we need some things that we can rely upon . And with the home delivery market looking like it ’ s here to stay , all properties ( whether work or domestic ) would benefit from a coded lock storage solution .
www . codelocks . co . uk
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SEP / OCT 2021
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