The Rise of Parcel Thefts in the UK and How to Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates
Parcel thefts in the UK have surged, with losses totaling £666.5 million in the last year, marking an increase of about £290 million from 2024, according to Quadient data. This rise in thefts outpaces the growth in online shopping, as criminals exploit what they see as a low-risk opportunity, resulting in more frequent incidents.
Leicestershire has emerged as the national hotspot for parcel thefts. Urban centers and multi-occupancy buildings lacking secure lobbies are particularly vulnerable, with December identified as the peak delivery season.
Delivery practices have shifted toward non-signed-for deliveries and faster routes, aided by online retailers. The use of signed-for delivery has declined, while contactless delivery methods introduced during the Covid era remain common. In some cases, same-day delivery offers greater security.
Consumers can reduce their risk by opting for signed-for deliveries, providing accurate addresses, and using out-of-home options such as locker deliveries or work addresses. Ensuring someone is home at the time of delivery when required also helps.
Retailers and couriers are encouraged to avoid visible packaging and not to leave parcels in sight from the street. Drivers are advised to knock and wait for handover where possible, and some companies suggest anonymizing packaging to deter theft.
Police urge victims to report parcel thefts to build reliable statistics and facilitate intelligence-led operations. Arrests have been made, and video doorbell footage has aided the identification of suspects.
Despite some pranksters using bait packages and social media videos to mock porch pirates, and victims occasionally taking matters into their own hands, such actions have not successfully prevented theft.
