Parcel theft in the UK is becoming a growing concern, with more than £376 million worth of packages disappearing over the past year—up from £304 million the year before. A new study by postal tech firm Quadient reveals the areas hardest hit and offers some insight into the culprits’ methods.
If you live in Bedfordshire, you might want to keep a close eye on your deliveries. The county tops the list for parcel thefts, with 99 reported incidents per 100,000 people. This is a big jump from last year’s leader, Hertfordshire, which had 73 thefts per 100,000 residents.
Londoners aren’t faring much better. In fact, one in five residents in the capital has fallen victim to parcel thieves. Meanwhile, Dorset sees a seasonal spike, with 20% of its thefts happening in December, and Cumbria isn’t far behind, reporting 35% of its incidents across November and December.
But it’s not just the frequency of thefts that’s alarming—it’s also the value of stolen goods. In Northumbria, the average stolen parcel is worth a whopping £202.20. Young professionals aged 22-34 are especially vulnerable, reporting the highest number of thefts.
And when are thieves striking? Data shows November and December are peak months, making the festive season a particularly risky time. With UK shoppers expected to spend £7.1 billion on gifts this year, criminals are taking full advantage of doorsteps brimming with online orders. Google searches for “stolen parcel” also surge during this time, hitting their peak in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Shockingly, one in seven UK households has dealt with parcel theft, with stolen deliveries costing an average of £102. However, many victims don’t report these incidents, with only one in 333 cases making it to the police. This means the real number of thefts is likely much higher.
Experts say certain homes are more vulnerable. Flats, for instance, are prime targets, as thieves can grab multiple packages left in shared entrances. Houses left empty during work hours, typically between 9 AM and 5 PM, are also easy prey. The lingering habit of online shopping from the pandemic, paired with a return to office work, seems to have created the perfect opportunity for thieves.
Organized crime gangs appear to be stepping up their efforts too. In one shocking incident in Leytonstone, London, a group of hooded men was caught on camera raiding a DPD delivery van in broad daylight. Despite a bystander honking their car horn to scare them off, the gang calmly loaded the stolen parcels into their car before speeding away.
Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, an executive at Quadient, urged people to take precautions, especially those living in flats. “No home is safe from this growing issue,” she warned, noting that high-value items are often the main targets.
So, what can you do to keep your parcels safe? The National Police Chiefs Council suggests using parcel lockers or having your packages sent to a neighbor’s house or a local shop with courier services. Video doorbells and security lights can also make thieves think twice before striking.
As parcel theft continues to rise, staying one step ahead of these opportunistic criminals has never been more important. Keep your deliveries secure and take extra care this festive season—it’s better to be safe than sorry.