Parcels worth a record-breaking £666.5 million have been stolen in the UK over the past year, according to data from technology company Quadient. That is nearly £290 million more than in 2024, and the figures only cover reported thefts, with many more going unreported. The data suggests that a parcel is stolen every seven seconds on average, driven largely by organised gangs targeting delivery vans and residential buildings.
Leicestershire is the UK's hotspot for parcel thefts, but city and town centres generally pose the greatest risk. Gary Winter, vice-president of global strategic initiatives at Quadient, said the rise is not just proportional to increased online shopping. 'I genuinely think it's becoming more frequent. People see it as a low-level crime opportunity and are taking advantage of it,' he said. In peak delivery season, particularly December, piles of parcels build up in lobbies and on doorsteps, making them easy targets.
Darren Walmsley, vice chair of the National Courier and Despatch Association, attributes the trend to changes in delivery practices. He noted that Amazon popularised delivering items without requiring proof of delivery, as it was more cost-efficient to risk refunding losses than for drivers to take extra time for signatures. The Covid pandemic further normalised contactless deliveries, which often leave parcels unattended.
Victims like charity worker Nicki Wedgwood, 31, from Hackney, east London, have experienced theft firsthand. She had Christmas presents stolen from her building's lobby after a delivery driver left them there. She believes thieves follow delivery drivers on bikes and quickly grab parcels after drivers leave. Despite the prevalence, many victims do not report thefts to police, citing lack of follow-up. A Metropolitan police spokesperson advised always reporting thefts, stating they are 'carrying out intelligence-led operations to catch the criminal gangs who prey on delivery vans.'
To protect against parcel theft, experts recommend using secure delivery options such as lockers, designated safe places, or requiring a signature. Independent courier companies offering same-day service are considered the most secure. Consumers are also advised to track deliveries closely and avoid leaving parcels unattended for long periods.
