Online shoppers are being warned to be vigilant with deliveries after a Christchurch resident released surveillance footage of suspicious behaviour at his letter box.

The security footage shows a parcel being delivered to a St Albans letterbox yesterday just after midday.

The resident’s flatmate can be seen collecting the item straight way.

But moments later, a car pulls into the driveway, and then woman jumps from the passenger seat and looks inside the letterbox.

A police spokeswoman says they’re investigating the incident and says this is an issue that crops up from time to time, especially around Christmas.

She’s urging online shoppers to get packages delivered to a place where someone will be available to receive them, or have a secure location where they can be left.

She says make sure your delivery instructions are clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.

“Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see if you’ve been buying expensive items.”

“And report any suspicious behaviour to police, such as a vehicle following a courier van.”

A New Zealand Post spokeswoman says while they haven’t seen an increase in this type of theft after deliveries, it’s always a good reminder to be vigilant.

She says New Zealand Post encourages people to take steps to avoid theft after delivery, such as checking your letterbox regularly, and installing a lock.

“You can also use the company’s Parcel Leave service, which allows people to provide instructions on a safe place to leave a parcel.”

She says please be aware that New Zealand Post is experiencing very high volumes in Level 3, and the company is doing everything it can to deliver items on time and safely.