What is the total value of parcels stolen in the UK?

Parcels worth a record-breaking £666.5 million were stolen in the UK last year.

What kind of items do parcel thieves often target?

Thieves frequently target branded sportswear, and opportunistic thieves steal a variety of goods.

How are some people deterring parcel thieves?

Some individuals are setting up 'bait packages' with pranks like paint bombs or glitter explosions to deter and capture thieves.

Home / Crime and Justice / UK Parcel Theft Soars: £666.5M Gone This Year

UK Parcel Theft Soars: £666.5M Gone This Year

7 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Parcels worth £666.5m were stolen in the UK last year.
Thieves target branded sportswear and opportunistically steal from neighbors.
Prank packages with paint bombs or glitter deter some thieves.

UK Parcel Theft Soars: £666.5M Gone This Year

Record-breaking parcel thefts plague the UK, with over £666.5 million in goods stolen last year, a significant increase attributed to online shopping trends and opportunistic crime. Thieves target high-value items like branded sportswear and exploit vulnerabilities in building security and delivery practices, often operating in urban centers and multi-occupied dwellings.

Residents are experiencing significant frustration, with many cases going unreported to the police due to a perceived lack of effective action. Some individuals are taking matters into their own hands, employing elaborate pranks with "bait packages" designed to douse thieves in paint or glitter, capturing their reactions on video for social media.

Experts advise a multi-faceted approach to combat this growing issue. Retailers and delivery companies are urged to anonymize parcels and improve delivery protocols, while consumers are encouraged to opt for secure delivery methods like lockers or work addresses to mitigate risks during peak seasons.