Hermes define "left in a secure location" Webchat:
info: You are now connected with Andrew
Andrew: Hello, you're through to Andrew. How can I help you today?
Me: I sent a parcel via Hermes, tracking says "delivered to a secure location" but recipient is saying she hasn't received it.
Andrew: Good morning Dave
Andrew: Please may I take your e-mail address?
Me: Good morning
Me: xx@hotmail.com
Andrew: Thank you
Andrew: Can you give me a minute or two to look into this for you?
Me: OK
Andrew: Thank you
Andrew: The courier has stated this has been left over the back garden fence.
Andrew: Has the customer checked the outside of the property?
Me: I will inform her about this. There was no note left to this effect. Not acceptable, really. 1. "Over the fence" 2. No note.
Andrew: I do apologise but Hermes can deliver to secure locations if you do not request the signed for service upon booking
Me: If it's in a "secure location", then "in a secure location" description is fine. If it's "over the fence" then they should state "over the fence". "over the fence" does not equal "secure location" would you agree?
Andrew: If the parcel is in the back garden you could say that this is secure.
Andrew: I do apologise that they have not advised the customer of this via a calling card
Me: No it's "over the fence"
Me: There is NO WAY "over the fence" is "secure location", it's "over the fence". Totally unacceptable.
Andrew: I'm sorry that you feel this way Dave, but if the courier cannot access the garden then they would deem this is a secure location to leave the parcel
Me: Funny how the advertising doesn't mention this part of the service. Will never use again. bye.
Apparently, this is common practice. You have been warned.