The Rise of Parcel Thefts in the UK: How to Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates
UK parcel thefts reached an estimated total value of £666.5 million in the last year, according to Quadient, marking an increase of about £290 million compared to 2024. Many thefts remain unreported, making the issue larger than official figures suggest.
Leicestershire has emerged as the hotspot for parcel thefts across the UK. Urban centers and multi-occupancy buildings are particularly vulnerable, with a notable peak in thefts during December, coinciding with the busy delivery season.
The rise in parcel thefts is closely linked to the growth of online shopping and changes in delivery practices. There has been a shift towards fewer signature requirements and more doorstep or non-signature deliveries, trends accelerated by Amazon-style logistics models and pandemic-era changes.
Delivery drivers face increased pressure and high volumes, reducing the time available for secure handoffs. While same-day delivery can offer better security for large items, its effectiveness varies depending on the context.
Theft patterns include both organised gangs and opportunistic neighbours. Common targets are items left in lobbies or behind bins. Branded sportswear is frequently stolen for resale.
Police advise victims to report all thefts to support intelligence-led operations, which have resulted in arrests. Video doorbells can assist in evidence collection, and retailers often offer refunds for stolen items.
Public responses to the problem include prank videos targeting porch pirates and the use of bait packages to deter thefts, reflecting social-media-driven frustration. However, such tactics do not resolve the underlying issue.
The article was amended on 9 December 2025 to remove a reference to paint bombs in bait packages after it was found to be AI-generated content.
