Lost Parcels
In recent months, the contents of packages, money which has been mailed and even whole parcels have mysteriously disappeared from post offices. Officially, in 2007, the Polish Post Office reported 200,000 lost packages, but in many cases customers did not bother to submit a complaint. the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) has decided to look into the matter.
Joanna Gęsicka who runs an Internet-based shop with items for interior decoration fell victim to this scourge. Last year she sent a set of doilies to a client who did not receive the package. Gęsicka sent another set that also went missing. “Things are getting worse. Every other week one of my packages does not reach my customers,” she complains. On the Post Office website, customers report that the contents of many packages, especially those from abroad, are notoriously being removed. Money sent by people working abroad simply vanishes.
The UKE has decided to intervene and has sent a report to post offices which obliges them to hire people that “are fit for dealing with private property” (in other words, people who will not steal anything). Moreover, the UKE demands random inspections of workers’ lockers and body searches of workers leaving areas from which mail is shipped. Lastly, the improvement of lighting in warehouses was pointed out in the report.
Post Office authorities have decided not to comment on the report. Post Office spokesman Zbigniew Baranowski claims that thieves are severely punished. Over 200 people were disciplinarily dismissed because of theft two years ago, whereas last year the number was just over 100. Baranowski says the number is on the decrease because a special unit that handles such abuses has been established.
What can customers do in such situations? Very little. “There is no point arguing with the Post Office over lost mail,” says Krzysztof Chorąży whose son sold a mobile phone for PLN 364 on Allegro. The buyer did not receive the phone. As a form of compensation, the Post Office offered Chorąży… PLN 70. When Chorąży sued the Post Office, the court pronounced a verdict in his favour. He received compensation to the amount of… PLN 64. On top of that, Chorąży had to pay PLN 77 in court costs. “This is absurd,” said a furious Chorąży.
Gazeta Wyborcza
