Package Stolen off My Front Step

Updated on January 15, 2013
☆.H. asks from San Jose, CA
13 answers

I learned today that a package I have been waiting for was delivered days ago by Fed Ex. I have not seen it. Has anyone had this happen to you? What can I do about it?

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Yep, we run our company from home and routinely have samples delivered via FedEx.

Funny story... One customer sent a sample ( plastic pellets, talc) in a box which appeared to be an HP computer box.

Sample gone but the person who got it has no idea what the pellets and powder are. Probably scared the poop out of them when they opened it! Lol

We didn't pursue, we just laughed it it off.

If we have a critical sample coming in... Someone is here to sign or its scheduled for pickup at our local station.

ETA: We do have cameras installed for day and night watch.

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C.W.

answers from Santa Barbara on

I worked for a company that sold needles and syringes (my division did not) and I had an eight case delivery of catalogs come to my house with the same logo. Those knuckleheads took over 180 pounds of what they thought could be sold for drug use!! Uh...no.

My company took the claim over so it was invisible to me. Hopefully FedEx can help you out.

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L.P.

answers from San Francisco on

There was an article in the Merc about Palo Alto police catching a guy who stole packages from doorsteps in SJ & PA. http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_22321762/union-ci...
Might be a long shot, but it says "Anyone who thinks they may be a victim or have information about the thefts can call Palo Alto police at ###-###-####."

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I would ask Fed Ex for assistance. Even if they aren't responsible and won't reimburse you, having this happen is fairly common and they have experience in what can be done.

Yes, it's theft and you can file a police report. If there is a pattern in your neighborhood and across the city they may be working on catching the culprit. But then again they may not pay attention.

I suggest that both FedEx and the police will want to know that this happened. Fed Ex may change the way they deliver packages in your neighborhood if this is common.

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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Happened to me a couple of times. A camera that was lost at an amusement park was returned and mailed to us and then stolen from our porch. Another time they stole replacement hinges for our shelves. Now we do pick up only. It is a pain but it is the only way to deal with this.

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M.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

It's a big problem going on right now. People are following fed ex and ups trucks and stealing the packages. The companies are now doing pick ups at their locations instead of drop offs. If you used your visa card for the purchase maybe they can offer your money back - otherwise check with fed ex to see what type of insurance was on it.

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V.P.

answers from Columbus on

Contact the seller. This was a big problem in our area during the holidays.
File a police report, and contact Fed Ex.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

File a police report. Chances are it is also happening to your neighbors.

A few weeks ago I read an online article about this happening in one neighborhood, the culprit turned out to be a 12 yr old girl. If you can mount a camera, that is how the 12 yr old was caught.

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J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

You were the victim, not the merchant, not FedEx. Some merchants, to keep the peace, will send another. FedEx is completely blameless and they will tell you.

The problem with trying to claim it under your homeowners is one, it is probably well below your deductible and two you didn't secure it.

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J.D.

answers from San Francisco on

I've had that happen recently and I emailed the company that I never received the package. (A neighbor came over with a ripped open empty box telling us it was left on his front lawn.) I also informed the company about that too.
They refunded me and I ordered it again. It's been happening a lot more than in the past and one UPS delivery man told me that he has noticed he was being followed, didn't think too much of it at the time and then a few days later, there was reports of packages being stolen off of his delivery route!
I now have my deliveries put in a hidden place when delivered. You can also request signature deliveries too.

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T.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Last year, there were several packages around here stolen from doorsteps around the holidays. (Luckily, not ours since SO works from home and is around to bring packages in).

As for what to do, it depends on what it was and how it was shipped. If it's something you ordered from a major company, they'll likely cut their losses and ship another one if you call customer service and let them know what's going on.
If it was something sent by another individual, it depends entirely on the arrangement made with FedEx. If it was insured, FedEx will arrange for a payment, or if they should have gotten a signature and didn't, same deal. However, if no one but the thief did anything wrong, you're in a tough spot.
Make a police report (it's a theft), and baring all else, your home owners insurance might cover it if you want to make a claim.

Hope this works out for you.

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B.R.

answers from Sacramento on

Unless you have give Fed Ex instructions that packages are NOT to be left unless you are home and sign for them, I'm not sure. But, if you have given such instructions you should be able to contact Fed Ex about the situation, and also the company that sent the package. They should then work together to get you your products. I had this happen a number of years ago with a package delivered by UPS. I let the sending company know my package hadn't arrived, and they immediately sent out a replacement package and dealt with UPS for their reimbursement. When my replacement package arrived, the driver told me he had been off the day the original came and his sub had goofed. Perhaps a lame excuse, but that driver had been coming to my house regularly for some time and I had no reason to not believe him.

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M.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I know it is ridiculous right? I happened to take a day off at holiday time because I had so many errands and we were preparing for a trip. I was upstairs and heard the door bell ring. "That is odd I thought" but went down. When I opened the door there was no one there but my Huge order from Crate N Barrel. There was no driver around or anything. He/She didn't even wait to see if I was home. Thank goodness I was home because that was a very expensive order and I would have been devastated. I live in a place that accepts your packages for you and they could have checked it in. What if I had not been home which usually would have been more likely the case. That box that screamed Crate N Barrel would have been gone. I called and they said I signed something that said they could leave my packages. No I didn't I said, they said well that is what our notes say. I said, change it because I don't want that system and they told me that they can't. I have to wait until my next delivery. Well, that won't be anytime soon I told them and hung up. Yikes!! I hope they replace for you!!

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