A devastated family has blasted Australia Post after a delivery van carrying their precious Christmas parcels was stolen and they were left in the dark for days.
Queensland mum Karley Acworth was looking forward to an exciting festive season, and decided to go all out buying brand new decorations.
The Logan resident said she had given all their old Christmas decorations away in a bid to start fresh with a stunning ‘White Christmas’ theme for their home.
After ordering brand new trees, ornaments, centrepieces, dining settings and pyjamas online, Karley was excited to receive all her items by November 25.
But in a gut-wrenching blow, the delivery van carrying their parcels was stolen – and now the family claims Australia Post “really don’t care” about their loss.
“We decided to go with a theme this year, so we were going to go with a white Christmas, winter wonderland idea, with lots of snow, and decorations and trees and ornaments to really help the kids have a great time together,” Karley told 7NEWS.
“We had multiple trees ordered and a few of those trees were meant to go to my clients to help them enjoy Christmas as well.
“Definitely a special Christmas.”
The mum says at first she had no idea why her parcels had been delayed.
After a week of waiting, Karley says she reached out to Australia Post to find out where her goods were – only to discover the van carrying their Christmas purchases had been stolen.
The vehicle was found abandoned later that day, with police not confirming whether any parcels had been left inside.
“I initially thought it was some sort of joke or they were just trying to make up some excuse that they’d lost it,” she said.
“It’s a bit of a kick in the guts knowing that someone has taken that.”
Karley said it was hard enough knowing her parcels had been stolen, but claims Australia Post’s response had simply rubbed salt in the wound.
“They basically said, ‘good luck, you’ll have to contact all the sellers that you brought from and take it up from them,” she claimed.
She said they had spent “a lot of money” to make this Christmas extra special, but now had only been able to afford another tree.
Despite her ordeal, the mum acknowledged that things could be a lot worse.
“We were lucky enough to be able to afford a tree,” she added.
“I think about the people that have sentimental or priceless items that they were sending for Christmas.”
Police investigations are continuing in relation to the stolen Australia Post van.
News.com.au reached out to Australia Post, who asserted that they were working with customers impacted by this incident and providing compensation.
An Australia Post delivery vehicle and a number of parcels were stolen in Logan last Friday and police are investigating the matter.
“We are supporting impacted customers, including providing compensation given the circumstances, and apologise for any inconvenience caused,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.
“We encourage customers to call 13 POST for help and support.
“Australia Post takes the safety and security of items in our care seriously. Our team members are required to follow documented procedures when delivering on our behalf.
“We regularly remind our team members of these procedures, including that security and safety are our top priorities.”