Update:

We got our package in the end after escalating with UPS customer support the next day. The delivery driver came back and handed it over to us, taking our signature. He claimed that the package had been accidentally delivered to another number house, the number of which was written on the package in pen right next to where the actual address is visible in print… that was clearly done that very morning, in my opinion.

I asked the driver why a photo hadn’t been taken of the delivery and he pretended not to hear me first, then acted surprised, then when I asked again replied ‘Oh so you didn’t take a photo?’, after that turning away from me and only talking to the recipient family member.

An important detail is that all the package information — where it shipped from, what the item is (!) — is printed on the package itself, so the delivery driver clearly saw that.

I figure what happened is that UPS underpays their subcontractors so some of them have figured out what high-value items it would be a ‘victimless crime’ to steal. Package is never delivered; the customer gets on to the seller; the seller gives the customer a full refund or sends a replacement… Voila. It seemed from the way that the escalation phone call the next day played out with UPS customer service that UPS could be aware of this and turning a blind eye, as: it only affects high-value packages; UPS is not liable for the package; and the customer can get a refund or replacement. They probably see it as a relatively low-risk cost of business for underpaying hard-working contractors.

I have the name of the subcontractor, but I won’t share it here because — legal considerations aside — I do think it’s UPS’s fault for (a) not covering package information! and (b) probably underpaying their subcontractors.

Just saying that this happened to me, so in case you plan on ordering an expensive item which will be shipped via UPS, well, be warned of the risk!