'Porch piracy': Police issue warning ahead of Christmas as parcel theft hits record £666million

Data from technology firm Quadient shows parcels worth £666.5million have been reported stolen across the UK this year.

The figure represents an increase of nearly £290million compared with 2024.

The Radford policing team in Coventry said in a community update: "While out on patrol, we have seen quite a few parcels left in visible locations".

The team warned that taking an unattended delivery can take seconds and that securing compensation for stolen packages is not always straightforward.

Gary Winter, vice president of global strategic initiatives at Quadient, said people increasingly view the crime as low risk.

"I genuinely think it's becoming more frequent."

He added: "People see it as a low-level crime opportunity and are taking advantage of it".

Darren Walmsley, vice chair of the National Courier and Despatch Association, said changes in delivery practices have contributed to the increase.

He said the decline of signed-for parcels has removed an added layer of protection for recipients.

Contactless delivery became widespread during the Covid period and many retailers no longer require proof of delivery.

Quadient’s figures show city and town centres face the greatest risk of parcel theft.

Flats and shared buildings where packages are left in communal areas are particularly affected.

Leicestershire records the highest rate of parcel theft among the areas included in the data.

December is consistently the month with the most reported thefts.

Superintendent Chris Pearson of Nottinghamshire Police said the crime is often preventable.

"It's important for people to take extra precautions as we edge into the Christmas period.

"This type of crime is preventable, and we're asking everyone to do all that they can to stop this crime happening."

He urged communities to support each other to reduce doorstep theft.

"Ask for your deliveries to be diverted to trusted neighbours or friends if you're not going to be home."

Mr Pearson added: "If this isn't possible, attempt to rearrange to a time when you know you will be in or choose to collect it instead".

Consumers often assume that if a parcel goes missing, the courier is to blame.

But according to Katrina Anderson, a regulatory lawyer at Mills & Reeve, the responsibility actually lies with the retailer.

“Under consumer law, it is the seller who is responsible for making sure parcels are delivered,” she explains.

That means if your package disappears from your porch, your first call should be to the company you bought it from.

Ms Anderson acknowledges that many people instinctively point the finger at the courier, since they’re the last ones to handle the parcel and often the ones sending delivery updates.

“However, your legal contract is with the retailer,” she says.

“As the seller, they should contact the courier to find out what’s happened.”

If the parcel is stolen, missing or damaged before you’ve taken possession of it, the retailer should offer you a refund or a replacement.

With parcel volumes set to spike from Black Friday through December, she says it’s vital that retailers tighten up their contracts and work closely with couriers to minimise losses — and keep customers happy.

Police forces have issued a series of practical steps to help keep parcels secure.

Tracking deliveries is advised so that someone can be home when a parcel arrives.

Shoppers are urged to redirect parcels to trusted neighbours or family members if they cannot be in.

Officers say video doorbells can help because they notify householders when a delivery arrives and are easier to install than full CCTV systems.

Off-site locker services are recommended for people who frequently shop online or who are expecting more expensive items.

These lockers are usually placed in busy locations such as supermarkets.

Police say security lighting or CCTV can act as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves.

If a parcel fails to arrive, shoppers should contact the delivery company and retailer first.

Anyone who suspects a package has been stolen or notices suspicious activity is advised to report it online or call 101.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Gary Winter from Quadient said reporting every theft is crucial.

"You've got to report it to the police because you want to be in the statistics."

He added: "You want to try to make sure that the police are paying attention to this".

The Metropolitan Police says it is carrying out intelligence-led operations targeting gangs who target delivery vans.

The force says several arrests have already been made as part of ongoing investigations.