Parcel theft in the UK has reached record levels, with stolen deliveries worth an estimated £666.5 million over the past year, according to figures compiled by technology firm Quadient. That total is almost £290 million higher than in 2024, and the true scale is likely larger still, as many incidents go unreported.
The rise cannot be explained solely by the growth of online shopping. Gary Winter, Quadient’s vice president of global strategic initiatives, says theft is increasing faster than e-commerce volumes, arguing that parcels are increasingly targeted because the crime is seen as low risk with limited consequences.
Leicestershire has emerged as the country’s biggest hotspot, though urban areas more broadly face the highest risk. Flats and multi-occupancy buildings are particularly vulnerable, often lacking secure delivery points and neighbour oversight. The problem intensifies in December, when higher delivery volumes leave parcels stacked in communal areas or on doorsteps.
Changes in delivery practices have also played a role. Darren Walmsley, vice chair of the National Courier and Despatch Association, points to the widespread move away from signature-required deliveries. Retailers found it cheaper to absorb refund costs than to slow drivers down for signatures, a shift that was accelerated and normalised during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Couriers are now under heavy pressure, with some drivers handling more than 100 deliveries a day, leaving little time to ensure parcels are placed securely. Walmsley argues that same-day delivery, often assumed to be expensive, can be cost-effective for higher-value or bulky items and shorter distances.
Thieves tend to target parcels containing branded sportswear, which resell easily via online marketplaces and car boot sales. Police say they encourage victims to report all thefts and are using intelligence-led operations to target organised groups, with some success. However, many victims feel enforcement remains inadequate.
While video doorbells have helped in some prosecutions, frustration has driven viral social media trends such as “bait packages” designed to catch thieves — tactics that experts say do little to address the underlying problem.
Industry figures say prevention requires action on several fronts. Retailers could reduce branded packaging, couriers could strengthen guidance on secure placement, and consumers should ensure accurate delivery details and availability. Alternative options such as workplace delivery, parcel lockers, collection points and signature-required services are also seen as more secure.
Although customers are typically refunded, the cost ultimately feeds back into higher prices and insurance costs across the retail sector. The £666.5 million headline figure reflects reported thefts only, suggesting the wider economic and social impact is significantly greater. With urban living and e-commerce both continuing to expand, experts warn the problem is likely to worsen without coordinated intervention.
