Police forces across the UK are warning of a rise in “porch piracy,” a growing criminal trend involving the theft of parcels from doorsteps, which is costing businesses and consumers millions of pounds annually. According to a report by mailing company Quadient, more than 3.5 million UK homes experienced parcel thefts between July 2023 and August 2024, with losses totaling £376 million, up from £204 million the previous year.

November and December see the highest rates of porch piracy, coinciding with the busy holiday shopping season. Sportswear, in particular, is a prime target due to its high resale value and branded packaging. Residents of flats are especially vulnerable, with those living in apartment buildings 24% more likely to have parcels stolen than those in houses.

Police in areas like Kingston upon Thames, Northwich, and east London’s Barking and Dagenham are actively warning residents, posting theft prevention advice and putting up posters in apartment buildings. However, lack of data and underreporting mean many consumers remain unaware of the risks.

Consumer rights law holds retailers accountable for lost goods, but shoppers who nominate “safe places” for deliveries may lose their refund rights if packages are stolen. Neighborhood groups are counteracting thefts by sharing doorbell footage with police, and innovative methods like bait packages with tracking technology are being used in other countries to catch offenders.

Experts urge consumers to ensure secure delivery locations or accept parcels in person to reduce the risk of theft, particularly during the holiday season.