A record breaking £666.5 million worth of parcels were stolen across the UK in the last 12 months, nearly £290 million more than in 2024. That’s according to new Freedom of Information data obtained by technology company, Quadient.
The figures reveal 4.83 million homes suffered at least one stolen parcel, representing a 31% rise from last year. However, despite this surge, just one in 353 thefts is reported to police, suggesting that the true scale of theft is being dramatically underreported.
While December remains the peak month for opportunistic thieves, November continues to be the second busiest month for parcel theft, likely driven by Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. However, what was once a seasonal issue is now a year-round risk for consumers. Meanwhile, the average value of a stolen parcel has climbed from £102 to £138, pushing UK consumer losses to unprecedented levels.
Supporting consumer research reveals that the public is aware of the issues and seeking safer delivery options. In fact, nearly two thirds (64%) of the UK public say they’d feel more comfortable using secure parcel lockers or collection points instead of doorstep delivery. Additionally, more than two-thirds (68%) would prefer to miss a delivery entirely rather than risk having their parcel stolen. Concerns around how the crimes are dealt with also run high for consumers. Almost eight in ten (79%) believe authorities should take parcel theft more seriously.
Regional data highlights the UK’s most vulnerable areas: Leicestershire (799 reports), Hertfordshire (767), and Kent (750) top the list of hotspots, while the City of London (3) and Cheshire (16) reported the fewest incidents. The data also continues to show that people aged 22 – 44 are the most likely demographic to report parcel theft (53%).
“Parcel theft has risen dramatically in the past year, and with the busiest delivery season approaching, the message from consumers is clear: they don’t want packages left on their doorsteps anymore,” said Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, Director of Lockers Automation Europe at Quadient. “With UK households losing an estimated £666.5 million to parcel theft in just 12 months, with many of these thefts taking place in broad daylight, the findings make a clear case for making secure parcel lockers the norm, not the exception.
Retailers and carriers should review their practices and move away from defaulting to ‘safe place’ drops, prioritising secure collection points or lockers to protect customers and their reputations. For consumers, especially during December’s peak period, choosing lockers or pick-up services for higher-value items can significantly reduce the risk of theft. By embracing secure locker infrastructure, business and communities can help reverse the rise in crime, ease pressure on police, and restore consumer confidence in home delivery.
