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Re:Amazon uses dummy parcels to catch thieves by ajdhsjakafjt on Thursday December 13, 2018 @10:42PM (#18678290)
In Germany the packages are usually given to a neighbor. Amazon's own delivery service sometimes leaves it in front of your door, but mostly in houses with multiple flats. When it's gone, they just deliver again.

Does it work differently in the US, so are packages usually left at the doorstep?

Re:Amazon uses dummy parcels to catch thieves by dpark on Friday December 14, 2018 @12:30AM (#18678675)
Yes, I have packages left on my doorstep constantly. I live in an area where package theft is uncommon (I’ve never experienced it or had a neighbor tell me they have), so just dropping packages on my porch is extremely convenient.
Re:Amazon uses dummy parcels to catch thieves by adrianmonk on Friday December 14, 2018 @04:22PM (#18684909)
A few decades ago, I remember it being quite common for packages to be left with a neighbor. Now it's pretty rare.

I'm not sure what changed. Perhaps people decided they prefer not to involve a third party. Or perhaps couriers just don't think it's economical to spend the time to knock one door and then another and then maybe another if the neighbor isn't home either.

Re:Amazon uses dummy parcels to catch thieves by Wohlf on Friday December 14, 2018 @09:43AM (#18681094)
In my experience: UPS has a program called MyChoice that let you specify what to do, but both them and USPS will usually leave it by the door out of sight if possible, unless the carrier is concerned about theft. FedEx will leave a note saying to come pick it up or request redelivery. In apartment buildings, all of them the will leave the package with the office if one exists.

I would bet most people getting regular package deliveries live in access controlled apartment buildings or very safe suburbs.

Re:Amazon uses dummy parcels to catch thieves by test1235 on Friday December 14, 2018 @04:54AM (#18679695)
here in UK, you get a few options: you can leave it with a neighbour, or specify a place to leave it, or try again at another time, and probably a few more I forget.

I'd be surprised if I saw anyone's parcel just sitting on their front doorstep