Joe Smith, owner of LabTop Computers in Burnaby is upset at the loss of a parcel this week that was stolen after his postal carrier delivered it by dropping it on his doorstep—on Monday, a day his shop was closed.

Inside the package was a $600 Apple laptop computer he planned to resell, as he often does. He learned it was stolen after being notified by Canada Post that the parcel had been “successfully” delivered.

“It’s like they’ve just tossed common sense away.”

There have been other times when Smith has arrived at his shop to find packages just sitting outside his door on Sixth Street. “It’s amazing they’re still there.”

The latest incident is the first time he’s actually had something stolen, at least that he knows of.

Smith’s calls to Canada Post left him frustrated. He was told the parcel was delivered under its “safe drop” policy in which the item is left in a location considered safe. And it’s up to the sender to indicate whether or not “safe drop” delivery is permitted.

Now he’s faced with having to contact the person who sold him the laptop to explain the situation and hope that the seller had insurance and can file a claim. “It could be months before it’s resolved.”

Meanwhile, Canada Post’s Pacific Region spokesperson conceded that its safe drop policy does not apply to businesses. “This is an unfortunate mistake that happened,” said Lillian Au.

She noted that Smith’s package actually had instructions from the sender to “‘leave at door’ and our employee followed those instructions.”

As for leaving it when the store was clearly closed for the day, the carrier “made that decision,” Au said.

“We do take the security of our customers’ mail very seriously. Unfortunately, mistakes do happen.”

The safe drop policy was implemented years ago in residential areas to prevent customers being inconvenienced by having to pick up a parcel at a postal outlet when they’re not home to receive it, Au said.

But in the case of businesses, when the parcel can’t be delivered inside, Canada Post’s policy is to leave behind a card indicating where it can be picked up. “We’ve made an effort to make sure that the letter carrier understands what went wrong.”

Au said any claims for compensation by Canada Post would have to be made by the sender.