With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas being the peak times for parcel deliveries to apartment buildings it’s an issue throughout the year. Unfortunately, so too are incidents of missing or stolen packages particularly in strata buildings where deliveries are often left in unsecured foyers, entranceways or common areas.

Whether you’re a resident, committee member, building or strata manager, now’s the time to prepare. Here’s how to keep those parcels safe and ensure a stress-free festive season.

The Growing Problem: Package Theft in Strata Buildings

Online shopping has become part of everyday life, but most apartment buildings were never designed with a constant flow of couriers in mind. Open foyers, shared mailrooms, and unattended lobbies make easy targets for “porch pirates.”
Unlike standalone homes, strata residents can’t simply install a front-door camera or lockbox meaning the solution has to come from building-wide planning and cooperation.

Smart Strategies for Residents

You can take simple, proactive steps to reduce the risk of your parcels disappearing before you get home:

Use parcel lockers or click-and-collect. Australia Post Parcel Lockers and Parcel Collect let you send deliveries to secure, 24/7 locations instead of your building. Many couriers and retailers also offer collection points through partners such as local newsagents, petrol stations or convenience stores.
Nominate a delivery time or location. Some couriers allow you to specify “deliver only when home,” “leave with building manager,” or “deliver to reception.”
Track parcels closely. Enable SMS or app notifications so you can collect items promptly.
Team up with neighbours. Trusted residents can sign for parcels on each other’s behalf when home during the day.
Start a community parcel group. Some buildings create volunteer rosters or online chat groups (using WhatsApp or a building portal) so neighbours can take in and safely store deliveries for each other. It’s a small initiative that builds trust and strengthens community spirit especially during the busy holiday period.

What Strata Committees and Managers Can Do

Building-level improvements can dramatically reduce the risk of loss or theft:

Secure delivery areas. Create a parcel cage or secure room accessible only to residents and couriers. Even simple lockable shelving within a CCTV-monitored area can deter opportunistic theft.
Install cameras and signage. Visible CCTV and warning signs both discourage theft and provide evidence if something goes missing.
Review by-laws and access protocols. Ensure delivery rules are clear for example, couriers must not leave items outside the foyer. Update by-laws to reflect modern delivery needs if necessary.
Communicate early and often. Send residents a reminder about safe parcel handling ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas rush. Simple education can go a long way.
Partner with parcel management providers. Some newer strata schemes are installing smart locker systems which integrate notifications and secure access codes for residents.

For Buildings with Concierges or Onsite Managers

If your building has a concierge, caretaker, or building manager, you already have an advantage but clear systems and policies are still essential.

Establish a parcel policy. Set out where parcels are accepted, how long they’re stored, and how residents are notified. This protects both staff and residents from disputes.
Use digital parcel management tools. Many building management software platforms can log deliveries, send automated SMS or app notifications, and record pick-up times.
Secure storage space. Dedicate a lockable, monitored room or shelving area for deliveries. Overcrowded foyers are unsafe, unsightly and unprofessional.
Set limits. Concierges shouldn’t be responsible for excessive parcel volumes or oversized items. Communicate these policies clearly to residents. Some buildings have by-laws that manage these limits.
Coordinate with couriers. Major delivery services like Australia Post and Amazon can be briefed on building-specific delivery rules (e.g., requiring signature or concierge handover).
Holiday planning. During peak season, consider extending parcel pick-up hours or bringing in temporary assistance to manage the increased volume.

These measures not only reduce theft but also streamline operations, freeing up building staff to focus on maintenance and resident support.

Embracing Technology

Smart building technology can modernise parcel management:

App-based parcel lockers. Residents receive a QR code or PIN when a delivery arrives no need for staff intervention.
Digital access control. Temporary access codes for couriers reduce the risk of open doors and unmonitored entry.
Security integration. Linking CCTV with access logs allows quick identification of who entered the building and when.
Partnering with providers. Utilise readily available systems such as Amazon Key for Business to allow integration with your existing access control systems.

Building a Community Approach

The best deterrent to theft is an aware, connected community.

Encourage residents to:

Report suspicious people or behaviour immediately.
Pick up packages promptly.
Look out for neighbours’ deliveries during busy weeks.
Consider forming a volunteer parcel group within the building to accept and safeguard deliveries an approach that fosters both safety and neighbourly goodwill.

A simple conversation in the lift or a friendly note in the lobby can remind everyone to stay alert and considerate.

Final Thoughts

Package theft may be an increasing problem, but it’s one that apartment buildings can manage with a little foresight. Combining resident awareness, secure infrastructure, and modern delivery options helps keep everyone’s shopping safe.

Jeff Shawcross is the owner of Quatrix Pty Ltd

Quatrix, have been protecting Sydney’s strata and commercial buildings for over 30 years They specialise in delivering reliable, high-quality security systems across the Sydney Metro area, including intercom, access control, and CCTV solutions.

e. info@quatrix.com.au

w. www.quatrix.com.au

t. 1300 659 939