A bit of a longshot but needs some advice.

One of my mother's friends emigrated back home to India. From there, she sent my mother a parcel. Nothing special, just a few dresses to say thank you for the help and support my mother gave in her time of need. Anyway, it was supposed to be sent from India to here. The company she used was "s line express" and we have a tracking number. It was sent around the end of May and still hasn't been received. Yet when my mother's friend used to get things sent to her, they arrived without problems.

The issue isn't abroad. It's here. The indian courier has sent it to someone here, who is then meant to deliver to our house. We have their number but it's a mobile number and no other details.

This is where we get stuck. My mother's tried ringing the guy several times. Each time either he doesn't answer or he's "driving". I've just rung him now and I manage to get a few sentences out and once I tell him the address, he tells me he's driving and to call back later. No doubt he won't pick up.

We have a rough idea of where he's based from the India side of things - apparently in Smethwick. The UK guy sounds indian too.

I'm a bit stuck as to where to go from here. The only abroad I've ever had couriered is either from Germany or from America and both have been from online companies. The only time I've had something "hand-delivered" (ie through someone else other than the well-known peeps like City Link/Parcelforce etc) is when I ordered something off Amazon and it arrived in the evening around 7pm by someone casually dressed.

My mum's friend has tried to put pressure on the company on her side and they've given what details they can.

Is there any way this can be resolved?

Get compensation from the courier company for the lost item?

Not sure what else you can do?

Maybe call the police and report a theft?

Difficult. There's so little data to go on. Not sure the clothes were worth much but surprised a guy would "steal" clothes! For a grown woman! Maybe he has a little secret!

Anyway, he's not answering at the moment, but when he next rings, I'll tell him I'm coming to pick the stuff up. We shall see what his next move is.