Research by Quadient based on Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to UK police forces, has found the value of parcel thefts from doorways (also known as 'porch piracy') has nearly doubled in the last year. The total value of parcels stolen across the UK rose to £376.6 million in the last year, rising from £204 million in 2023. 

The report also found that the average value of stolen parcels also went up by 52%, from £66.50 to £102 this year. 

What can people do to stop parcels being stolen? 

The police published advice to reduce the risk of being affected by the growing trend of theft of items left unattended by delivery drivers.

  • track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery
  • install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system
  • install a security light
  • arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or other family members who will be at home; if you live in a flat, is there a concierge who could accept the parcel for you?
  • use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations - such as supermarkets - rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves

John Hayward-Cripps, chief executive of Neighbourhood Watch spoke to Times Radio about the issue. He pointed out that online retailers also play an important role in addressing the problem. But building connections with our neighbours can also make a difference: 

“Most of us want to feel connected to our neighbours, we want to feel connected to where we live. Having a conversation with our neighbours can be useful. You don’t have to be best mates, but being able to look out for each other, checking for parcels, putting the bins out, or looking in on vulnerable people helps us to feel connected and better about the areas we live in. It also helps us feel safer, that’s strongly evidenced. This isn’t just about parcels, having contact with your neighbour can be hugely helpful in many ways.”