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Latest UK parcel‑theft news
An alarming surge in doorstep thefts
In the year to June 2025, a staggering £666 million worth of parcels were stolen from UK doorsteps, according to data compiled from 27 police forces by parcel-locker firm Quadient. That represents an increase of about £290 million compared with the previous 12 months.
While the exact number of parcels stolen is harder to pin down (many go unreported), the value and scale point to what many are calling a “porch-piracy” epidemic.
What we know
• The average value of stolen parcels is rising: one study found it climbed from £66.50 in one year to £102 in the next.
• Flats and communal buildings appear to be more vulnerable: thefts from multi-unit dwellings are over-represented.
• A notable chunk of these thefts are never reported to police, meaning the official statistics likely under-represent the true scale.
• Younger adults (22-34) appear especially at risk, often because parcels are left unattended when people are working.
Why this is happening
A number of factors combine to create the perfect storm:
• Online shopping is at record highs; more parcels = more targets.
• Deliveries are often left unattended on doorsteps or in communal lobbies, providing easy pickings for theft.
• Delivery optimisation pressures can mean parcels arrive when nobody’s home, or are left in less-secure locations.
• Criminals recognise the opportunity: low risk, potentially high reward. For many thefts, the odds of getting caught are low.
• The value of items is rising (tech, fashion, etc), so more incentive for thieves.
Consequences & repercussions
• Consumers lose money, time and trust in home-delivery.
• Retailers and couriers face cost burdens—whether through replacements, insurance, or reputational damage.
• The thefts add to broader issues of crime, security and home-logistics.
• Increased insecurity may change how people order goods (e.g., fewer home deliveries, more locker use) or alter behaviour (installing cameras, redirecting deliveries).
• Some neighbourhoods risk higher crime perception and reduced community trust.
What can be done: steps for consumers
Here are practical measures to reduce risk:
• Request signature on delivery or use delivery instructions (safe place, neighbour, etc).
• Use parcel-lockers, collection points or delivery to workplace if home might be unattended.
• Install a video doorbell, CCTV or security lighting.
• Have parcels delivered when someone is home, or schedule a slot.
• For flats, ask management for secure parcel-drop areas rather than leaving in lobbies.
• Retain order/tracking info; if a parcel is marked “delivered” but missing, contact the retailer.
• Report thefts to police where appropriate (even if low recovery rates), and inform the seller/retailer.
The bigger picture
The £666 million figure underscores that doorstep theft is far more than a nuisance—it’s a widespread crime impacting millions of people, and the ecosystem of retail, delivery and housing needs to adapt. It raises questions about industry practices (how safe are current drop-off protocols?), regulatory oversight, and whether more systemic solutions (secure delivery infrastructure, improved parcel tracking, shared responsibility between retailer/courier) are needed.
Attached is a news article regarding £666 million parcel have be stolen from door steps in the uk
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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