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Should I tell DPD my missing parcel was actually delivered?

46 replies

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 18:43

Hi everyone,

Recently I had a pair of trainers delivered by DPD. I specified that the item be left over my garden fence if I wasn’t in as this is secured. I have had parcels left at the front door go missing in the past. Whilst I was out I received notification that DPD had delivered my parcel, I checked the tracking and saw it had been left at my front door. I returned home sometime later and the parcel wasn’t there. I checked with my neighbours hoping someone had taken it in but nothing. I noticed the retailer who said DPD had to do an investigation. Today a DPD driver came to my door asking if I had it. I said I hadn’t. He said he definitely left it which I said I didn’t doubt because there was a photo but I assumed it had been taken. He then told me that he will lose the job if the parcel has gone missing and asked me to confirm with DPD that I had it. I said I couldn’t do that because I don’t have the parcel. He then went on to tell me he was new to the job and he needs the job. I said to him I would check with all my neighbours again and then update if I find it. I feel really awful, the trainers were not overly expensive and I would rather be out of pocket than someone lose their job! It seems really harsh if this is the case and I felt really bad. Should I contact DPD and jsut say I have it?

OP posts:
Legolaslady · 17/06/2026 18:44

Are you a thief?
No .. Because you haven't got the package. Why would you say you had it you haven't.
No way will it lose his job over one parcel.

UniquePinkSwan · 17/06/2026 18:46

He won’t lose his job

SoScarletItWas · 17/06/2026 18:48

I am usually on the side of the overworked and under-appreciated delivery drivers (I even let one use my loo once; come at me MN) but he’s very much in the wrong here, no way he should have come to your house and said any of that.

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 19:25

I do get this but I just think for the sake of a pair of trainers! And he did deliver the parcel just not to the correct place

OP posts:
Legolaslady · 17/06/2026 19:28

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 19:25

I do get this but I just think for the sake of a pair of trainers! And he did deliver the parcel just not to the correct place

Isn't that his job?????

PercyPigsAreOverRated · 17/06/2026 20:01

If he loses his job that's his fault. If you don't follow the instructions in a job you get disciplined/fired.

In the case the instruction was to leave the parcel over the fence. Not by the front door. Surely the whole reason we can put these things on the app is so the delivery drivers can do them?

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePleaseBarista · 17/06/2026 20:05

What’s to say he didn’t take the picture then take the package too?

Treacletreacle · 17/06/2026 20:08

How do you know he didn't take the parcel? I think its totally unfair of him to ask you to lie.

GreatOffWhiteFalcon · 17/06/2026 20:09

I would hate this too OP but honestly these drivers can be such a pain, ignoring instructions and leaving parcels where they are likely to be stolen. I would not tell lies for him.

mondaytosunday · 17/06/2026 20:14

Exactly my thought @SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePleaseBarista! I don’t believe for a second he’ll lose his job - the amount if missing or misdelivered packages on our street and half the delivery guys must be losing their jobs every week! He may have a financial penalty and a formal warning if he ignored your ‘safe space’ instructions, but that’s on him.

Somersetbaker · 17/06/2026 20:33

Unfortunately it's not unknown for a delivery driver to put the parcel in the safe place, take the photo, then put it back in the van, especially if it's identifiable as valuable from the packaging.

AClassicTrenchcoat · 17/06/2026 20:40

He could be doing it on a regular basis. Taking a photo then putting it back in the van to sell on Vinted etc. Great little earner. Nice that you are so caring but on this occasion you are being too nice.

cookbookjunkie · 17/06/2026 20:41

This could be a nice little scam for a DPD driver, couldn't it? Photographing the parcel on your doorstep or in your back garden as agreed, then nicking it themselves, then playing you like a fiddle saying they'll lose their job if you pursue a refund.

Unless this happened over and over again to the same driver because he was sloppy and didn't listen to instructions, I can't see that he'd lose his job. And if he does then he probably deserves to, if he's ignoring clear instructions and leaving things in the wrong place. You didn't get your shoes. Progress the refund. And it might be easier to use one of those local drop boxes in future.

AClassicTrenchcoat · 17/06/2026 20:49

If you don’t do anything you are just allowing others to be scammed in the same way.

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 21:04

thanks for the replies, I just don’t really like getting people ‘told off’ even if their own fault! We all make mistakes! Is it normal for drivers to come back to the house?

OP posts:
SprogletsMum · 17/06/2026 21:07

I used to work for them and the drivers can get charged for parcels that go missing. His fault though because you named a safe place and he ignored it.

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 21:16

SprogletsMum · 17/06/2026 21:07

I used to work for them and the drivers can get charged for parcels that go missing. His fault though because you named a safe place and he ignored it.

Do they get charged the value of the item?

OP posts:
Garfieldloveslasagnepie · 17/06/2026 21:33

The drivers do get charged for missing items. My DS works for them and got charged several hundreds of pounds for a phone that wasn’t delivered because the warehouse didn’t scan it back in after no one was in to take delivery.

Empress13 · 17/06/2026 21:39

He should get the sack for even asking you ! Cheeky fecker

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 21:54

Garfieldloveslasagnepie · 17/06/2026 21:33

The drivers do get charged for missing items. My DS works for them and got charged several hundreds of pounds for a phone that wasn’t delivered because the warehouse didn’t scan it back in after no one was in to take delivery.

Oh no really! Is it the cost of the item they are charged?

OP posts:
Garfieldloveslasagnepie · 17/06/2026 21:55

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 21:54

Oh no really! Is it the cost of the item they are charged?

Yes. Over £700 he had deducted. The drivers don’t scan the parcels back in themselves so it was very unfair.

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 22:05

Garfieldloveslasagnepie · 17/06/2026 21:55

Yes. Over £700 he had deducted. The drivers don’t scan the parcels back in themselves so it was very unfair.

Oh gosh that’s awful! Maybe I am being too nice but the trainers aren’t a big expense for me and I don’t mean that in a cocky way but it could be for him

OP posts:
FTMaz · 17/06/2026 22:06

Empress13 · 17/06/2026 21:39

He should get the sack for even asking you ! Cheeky fecker

I’ve seen it on a couple social media posts that the drivers are told to go back and see if they can locate the parcel. It seems a bit aggressive to me, I didn’t care but someone else might tell quite intimidated.

OP posts:
FieryA · 17/06/2026 22:17

FTMaz · 17/06/2026 21:04

thanks for the replies, I just don’t really like getting people ‘told off’ even if their own fault! We all make mistakes! Is it normal for drivers to come back to the house?

I have never had a driver come back and expect me to tell lies on his behalf. Don't take back your complaint.

Babyboomer50 · 18/06/2026 01:52

We have had people following delivery drivers and stealing the delivered parcels. If the post has been told there is an authority to leave the parcel then it is not the drivers fault and is on the post to reimburse you . Expensive parcels should always have to get a signature .

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