Aucklanders getting groceries delivered during level 4 lockdown are reminded to keep an eye out for text alerts confirming delivery - and to take orders inside immediately.
It follows a post on an Auckland community noticeboard page this week, in which Auckland residents expressed concerns about a neighbour's groceries being taken from outside their home within 15 minutes of the order being delivered.
Two residents commenting on the post said this had happened in the areas of Mt Eden, Epsom and Sandringham.
Another said they'd heard reports of delivery trucks and couriers being followed.
Talking to Newshub on Tuesday, a woman living in central Auckland who asked not to be named, said her grocery delivery was taken on Saturday, between 7pm and 7.15pm.
"I got a text just before 7pm which said they were close...also on the text it says 'we'll message you when it arrives'," the woman explained.
But rather than confirm delivery by text, in her experience, couriers will knock on the door when leaving the order.
"We were just having dinner, so I went out about quarter past seven and it had all gone (apart from the toilet paper)," the woman added.
"I rang Countdown and they got hold of the driver and said they'd delivered it."
Asked whether there had been reports of stolen groceries during level 4 lockdown, a Police spokesperson said they were not "immediately aware" of this being a current trend.
But Police frequently receive reports of stolen deliveries and courier packages.
"Our advice to people regarding groceries delivered is to make sure they're home when they are due for delivery and ensure they're taken inside immediately," the Police spokesperson said.
A Countdown spokesperson said since the start of COVID-19 lockdown in August, its customer care team had received one report of an online order going missing.
"However we know there’s a bit of concern about this issue and we’ve asked all our drivers to keep an eye out and do their best to make sure all deliveries are ending up in the right hands," the spokesperson said.
Customers are also advised to keep their phone handy. If people happen to be out for a walk, they could check it for confirmation their delivery is on its way.
"Our drivers use an app that sends a text message to let customers know the estimated time of their delivery and a second text to let them know when their order is about to arrive," the spokesperson said.
"Additionally, if there's a safer place than the front door to leave their order, customers can put a note in their delivery instructions."
A spokesperson for supermarket chain Foodstuffs, said the team wasn't aware of any reports of grocery deliveries being stolen in Auckland.
"All Auckland New World stores offer an online delivery and click-and-collect service, and in Level Four, our teams ensure that deliveries are contactless," the Foodstuffs spokesperson said.
"We have processes in place where drivers wait in their vehicle until the customer opens the door to collect groceries before driving off."
Anyone who experiences theft from their property, including groceries, can report the incident to Police, on 105.
