Rapid Increase in Online Shopping Mall Usage... Delivery Companies Expand Contactless Delivery
Citizens "Worried About Theft from Doorstep Storage"
Experts "Both Delivery Companies and Consumers Need to Make Efforts for Prevention"
A delivery package placed in front of the entrance door of a villa in Seoul. Photo by Joohee Kang, Intern Reporter kjh818@asiae.co.kr
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] "I'm worried about theft of packages left at the door"
Recently, as the number of consumers using online shopping malls has increased due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), incidents of packages left at the door being lost are occurring frequently, causing growing anxiety among citizens.
In particular, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, masks have also been frequently disappearing. Residents are expressing their concerns through local communities and other channels. Experts suggest that the delivery industry should consider theft prevention measures.
In Daegu and Gyeongbuk, where a large number of COVID-19 cases occurred, seven people including Mr. A were caught on the 6th for stealing government-distributed masks given to citizens.
According to the police, they are suspected of stealing government-supported masks from three apartment complexes in Seo-gu and Buk-gu on the 3rd. The suspects were found to have committed the crime knowing that the government-supported masks were distributed through mailboxes for each household.
Also, on the 7th in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, a man in his 30s, Mr. B, who went around one-room apartments stealing masks and daily necessities from packages, was caught by the police, and cases of damage due to package theft are continuing.
Citizens wearing masks on their way to work amid the novel coronavirus infection [Image source=Yonhap News]
◆ "Stealing masks from other people's homes, unbelievable" Complaints about COVID-19 related thefts
On local mom cafes and online communities, posts expressing anxiety about masks and other items ordered by package disappearing continue to appear.
On a mom cafe in Songdo, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, a post was uploaded on the 6th of last month saying, "I received a mask package, but when I opened it, there were only 4 masks instead of 10, which is absurd."
The writer said, "These days, since the shipping label says KF94 mask on the outside, someone opened the envelope, picked only the sizes they needed, and resealed it with tape. It's ridiculous."
Netizens responded to the post with comments such as "This is outrageous. Anything can happen these days," "Stealing masks from other people's homes, unbelievable," and "I hope people don't lose their conscience at this time."
◆ 'Social distancing' campaign, delivery industry operates contactless delivery... Customers feel uneasy
Although package theft incidents are increasing, the government is emphasizing the 'social distancing' campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and online delivery companies are expanding 'untact delivery' methods. 'Untact delivery' refers to a delivery method where the package is left at the door or in a parcel box without direct contact with the customer.
Coupang has decided to conduct all orders via contactless delivery for the time being to prevent customers' delivery anxiety amid the COVID-19 spread.
CJ Logistics, Hanjin Express, Lotte Global Logistics, and others provide text message notifications about contactless delivery and allow customers to choose designated pickup locations. Delivery companies plan to maintain contactless delivery policies until COVID-19 subsides to ensure infection prevention and safety for both customers and delivery workers.
Given this situation, citizens express unease despite understanding that door-to-door delivery is inevitable to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Especially, single-person households and dual-income couples who are away from home for long hours have no proper place to store packages and have no choice but to risk leaving them at the door.
Office worker Mr. C (26), who lives alone, said, "I live in a villa without security devices at the communal entrance, so I am more worried about package loss," and added, "It is also uncomfortable that personal information such as names and phone numbers on the shipping label is partially exposed."
He said, "For expensive items, I try to have them delivered when I am home," and "Since there is no security office or unmanned parcel box at my residence, I have no choice but to use door-to-door storage for regular packages."
Experts emphasize that both delivery companies and consumers need to make efforts to prevent package theft damage.
Professor Lee Eun-hee of the Department of Consumer Studies at Inha University suggested, "Even with contactless delivery, delivery companies should continuously consider theft prevention measures such as sending messages before arrival or verifying the delivered items with consumers." She added, "Consumers should also try to safely store packages by using methods they can control, such as convenience store pickup services or unmanned parcel boxes, to reduce damage."
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