UK parcel theft has risen by 87%, according to Quadient survey

Reports of parcel theft to police in the UK have risen by 87% in the last year according to new Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by direct mail hardware and software technology manufacturer, Quadient.

The findings, released as part of Quadient’s annual Parcel Theft Report, is the highest total of thefts recorded by the company to date.

However, just 1.6% of reported thefts reportedly resulted in a charge, equivalent to approximately one in 62 cases. The data also reveals that fewer than one in 20 led to an arrest.

The findings show that December remains the peak month for parcel theft, with 1,830 cases recorded by responding forces in that month alone. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of thefts happened between 9am and 5pm, when parcels can often be left unattended while people are at work.

A supporting survey of 2,000 UK consumers found that nearly one in five households (18%) had experienced parcel theft in the past 12 months, which Quadient estimates equates to 5.11 million UK homes. Among those who had a parcel stolen, 28% said they reported it to police.

Quadient’s supporting consumer research also reveals that of those who had experienced parcel theft, clothing, shoes, and accessories topped the list (27%), followed by beauty products or cosmetics (20%) and electronics or gadgets (18%). With Christmas approaching, more than one in five (21%) said they had a gift stolen.

More than half (52%) of people who receive parcels say they regularly have them left outside when they are not in, up from 45% last year. However, more than two-thirds (69%) think twice about leaving parcels on their doorstep, and 70% would rather miss a delivery than risk it being stolen.

Consumers who answered the survey want more action from those responsible for deliveries, with more than three-quarters (78%) believing that delivery companies should not leave parcels unattended without their permission, while 71% say retailers should do more to prevent theft.

78% of those who responded also believe parcel theft should be treated more seriously by the authorities.

Commenting on the findings, Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, executive vice president of Parcel Locker Solutions Europe at Quadient, says: “People should be able to shop online without worrying whether their purchases will still be there when they get home. 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.

“With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, parcels left outside for hours create an easy opportunity for thieves and an avoidable risk for customers. Retailers and delivery companies can give people more control by making secure collection options easy to choose at checkout. A successful delivery should mean the parcel reaches the customer safely, not simply that it reaches their doorstep.”