Open Locker Network

Preventing Parcel Theft: 7 Practical Steps for Safer Deliveries

Written by: Parcel Pending

5 Min Read

Published: November 21, 2025

Updated: February 6, 2026

As online shopping continues to rise, so too does the risk of parcels going missing before they reach their rightful owners. Over the last few years, parcel theft has become an increasingly familiar concern for households across the UK, particularly in busy urban areas where delivery volumes are the highest.

Our latest Parcel Theft Report found that incidents reached record levels this year, with £666.5 million worth of goods stolen across the UK, up from £376.6 million in 2024. That equates to around 4.83 million households affected, with the average value of a stolen parcel now at £138. With theft increasing by more than 30% in the last 12 months, it’s clear that the issue is growing – and many communities are feeling the impact.

These findings highlight not just the scale of the problem, but the growing need for households and local areas to take steps to protect their deliveries and feel safer in the places they live.

Why parcel theft continues to rise

Online shopping has made receiving items more convenient than ever, but it also means parcels are often left in places that are easy to access before the intended recipient gets home. This includes private doorsteps, shared lobbies, building entrances, and other open communal areas.

Our report shows that parcel theft is now a nationwide problem but is particularly prevalent in towns and cities where high delivery volumes, shared entrances and footfall can make unattended parcels more vulnerable¹.

And the impact goes beyond the financial loss. One in four people (26%) told us the experience left them feeling unsafe in their neighbourhood, while 37% reported feeling anxious after experiencing a theft². This loss of confidence can have a ripple effect on how connected, comfortable, and secure people feel within their communities.

Peak season brings increased risk

The weeks leading up to Christmas are consistently the busiest shopping period of the year. This holiday season, UK online spending is expected to rise by around 3.7% year on year, reaching an estimated £25.3 billion in festive e-tail sales³. Analysts also note that carriers handled roughly 1.29 billion parcels between October and December 2024 and suggest volumes could climb even higher this year if the trend continues⁴. With so many deliveries taking place in such a short period of time, it’s no surprise that parcel theft tends to spike during this time.

Our research found that November and December see the highest number of thefts reported, driven largely by Christmas shopping and seasonal sales⁵. More parcels on the move naturally means more opportunity for them to be misplaced or taken before residents can collect them.

How to reduce the risk of parcel theft

While parcel theft can’t always be avoided, the Metropolitan Police highlight a number of practical steps that households can take to minimise the risk. Many of these are simple changes that can make a big difference, especially during peak delivery periods.

1. Be at home for important deliveries

If you’re expecting a valuable or time-sensitive parcel, try to be home for the delivery. Many couriers now offer delivery windows or live tracking, so you can plan around when your parcel is likely to arrive.

2. Ask a neighbour for help

If you know you won’t be in, consider asking a neighbour to take the delivery on your behalf. This avoids parcels being left unattended on doorsteps or in communal areas.

3. Reschedule or redirect your delivery

Most carriers now allow you to change your delivery date or location. Choosing a time when someone is available, or redirecting your parcel to a local pick-up point, can greatly reduce the risk of theft.

4. Keep deliveries out of sight

Where possible, choose delivery instructions that keep parcels out of obvious sightlines – for example, behind a side gate or inside a weatherproof storage box. Good lighting around entrances can also act as a deterrent.

5. Install a video doorbell

A video doorbell or smart camera can notify you when a delivery arrives and record activity at your doorstep. They are also easier to install than a full CCTV system and can provide reassurance when you’re away from home.

6. Track and collect parcels promptly

Opt for delivery notifications or text alerts whenever possible, so you know exactly when your parcel has arrived. Reducing the time between delivery and collection significantly lowers the chance of theft.

7. Consider secure out-of-home options

Out-of-home delivery options, such as parcel shops, retail counters, and parcel lockers, are becoming an increasingly popular alternative and provide a safer alternative to doorstep delivery.

Our research indicates 64 % of UK consumers feel more comfortable using lockers or collection points, and 68 % would rather miss a delivery entirely than risk it being stolen⁶.

Why communities are turning to smarter delivery solutions

With increasing levels of online shopping, many neighbourhoods and residential areas are rethinking how parcels are received, especially during peak periods. More households are choosing out-of-home delivery options, and communities are increasingly benefitting from secure parcel lockers that offer a safe, reliable way to collect deliveries at any time of day. In fact, three in ten people (30%) who experienced parcel theft told us they switched to using parcel lockers, which rises to 44% among 25–34-year-olds⁷.

Smart residential parcel lockers provide:

Security and peace of mind: Every parcel is stored safely until collected.
24/7 access: Residents can pick up parcels whenever it suits them, 24/7 – no missed deliveries, no waiting for store opening hours.
Cleaner shared spaces: Fewer parcels left outside homes or building entrances.
Sustainability gains: Fewer missed deliveries mean fewer repeat journeys, reducing carbon emissions.
A community benefit: Local locker locations offer convenience for everyone nearby.

It’s a simple upgrade that helps create safer, more connected communities – supporting the everyday routines of people who live, work, and socialise nearby.

A proactive approach to parcel security

Parcel theft has become a year-round challenge, but there are many ways households and neighbourhoods can protect themselves and feel more secure. Whether through simple preventative steps or by choosing safer delivery options like parcel lockers, every action helps make your area a safer, easier place to receive deliveries.

As parcel volumes peak, now is a good time to explore what more can be done locally to support residents – because everyone deserves to feel confident that their parcel will still be there when they get home.

To find out more about our recent research on how parcel theft is impacting communities across the UK, download the full 2025 Parcel Theft Report for free here.