Nearly 1 in 5 UK households have had parcels stolen, but just 1.6% of reports lead to charges

With deliveries landing on doorsteps in the run-up to the festive season, shoppers are being warned about "porch pirates."

Here's what to know

Research commissioned by Quadient revealed an 87% year-on-year increase in parcel theft reports to police in the United Kingdom. 

The Mirror summarized the report, which noted that only 1.6% of reported doorstep parcel thefts led to charges, despite an estimated 20% of households experiencing such a theft.

Of the parcel theft victims surveyed, 28% said they contacted police. Figures obtained through freedom of information requests showed that arrests followed less than 5% of reported cases.

Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, a representative of Quadient, told The Mirror, "Reports of porch piracy have reached the highest level in our annual study, but with so few recorded thefts resulting in a charge, prevention matters more than ever."

The Black Friday and festive shopping rush brings an increase in online purchases and home deliveries, so raising awareness of potential doorstep thefts could stop customers from losing money and being left empty-handed when it's time to exchange gifts.  

Police forces logged 1,830 parcel theft incidents in December 2026, more than in any other month covered by the research, as The Mirror noted. Clothing, shoes, and accessories were stolen from 27% of the victims surveyed, putting that category ahead of all others.

For 21% of victims, a stolen item was meant to be a gift. Cosmetics and beauty products made up 20%, compared with 18% for gadgets and electronics.

What can be done?

Quadient, which provides parcel lockers, suggested shoppers should have secure collection options when they place an order. Bourgeais-Crémel called on retailers and delivery companies to make those options easy to select at checkout. 

"With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, parcels left outside for hours create an easy opportunity for thieves and an avoidable risk for customers," she said. "A successful delivery should mean the parcel reaches the customer safely, not simply that it reaches their doorstep."

Where can I learn more?

The risks around shopping and deliveries go beyond parcels stolen from doorsteps.

• In the U.K., unexpected packages can signal a brushing scam using your name for fake reviews.

• In Scotland, six in 10 consumers experienced some form of consumer detriment last year, with young adults at greatest risk.

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