1. Watch video here: Parcel Advert Video
2. What is going on? What has happened? Why is it funny?
3. Have you had any problems in receiving online deliveries? How do you get around them? Have any of your friends/neighbours had problems in this area? What options are open to you for receiving a parcel? Tell me about home delivery, collection points, leaving parcels with neighbours. If a parcel doesn't arrive, what action can you take?
4. Read article here: Parcel Theft Reading
5. What is your reaction? Porches tend to be a feature of American homes (they are rare in the UK). What do you understand the function of a porch to be? Do you have them with your homes? Is parcel theft common in your country?
6. Do you have a video doorbell or security camera on the front of your property? Do you find them reassuring or do they create unease? The author of the article cites the example of constant text updates to her mobile phone as a source of worry - would this bother you?
7. Do you know all your neighbours? Do you have a 'Norma' amongst them? The UK did have (It still exists in some areas) a scheme called 'Neighbourhood Watch', where neighbours would meet once a month to discuss local crime. Do you have something similar in your district? Would you like to have such a scheme?
8. There is no limit to what you can buy online - the most esoteric items can be purchased. What is the thief's motivation for stealing unknown packages? The article cites the author's example of having gardening soil stolen - in terms of risk and reward, why would you steal items that have very little worth?
9. Who is the prototype parcel thief? Are they career criminals? What do you imagine the interior of a parcel thief's house looks like?
10. Would you contact your local police force if you had a parcel stolen? How would they react, do you think? Are there alternatives to alerting the police?
11. Watch video until 2 mins 48 secs: Exploding Parcel Video
12. What is your reaction? Is Mark Rober's invention a serious solution? Could it be modified to make it even more useful? Should we look to modify our homes so that parcels can be received safely?
13. Are there any other 'contemporary' crimes that bother you? Do you think that crime will evolve with technology, or will it be more difficult to behave criminally?
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Situation
You are a home security advisor. You've been invited on to a radio show to give advice on protecting parcel deliveries. Tell the host/listeners about these areas: giving delivery instructions/time of day/package size/package visibility/home's distance from the road/cameras,gates/vehicle parked on drive suggesting someone is home.
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Discuss quotes
“As a business owner anywhere on earth, if you fail to do what's needed by putting the right structure and processes in place, you have used your own hands to open doors for thieves and rogues to come in.”
― Bamigboye Olurotimi
“My neighbour signed for my £300 package and claims she DOESN’T have it – I’m so angry."
--- Comment often seen on social media
"Love your neighbour as yourself; but don't take down the fence."
--- Carl Sandburg
"When one neighbour helps another, we strengthen our communities."
--- Jennifer Pahlka
"You can be a good neighbour only if you have good neighbours."
--- Howard E. Koch
Student Handout PDF: Parcel Theft
Photo: Mikhail Nilov
