Reports of parcel theft to UK police rose 87 per cent to 12,802 in the year to 30 June 2026, according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data gathered by parcel locker provider Quadient for its 2026 Parcel Theft Report. The previous year’s total was 6,851.
It is the highest total recorded in Quadient’s annual report. Just 1.6 per cent of reported thefts led to a charge, about one in 62 cases, and fewer than one in 20 led to an arrest.
The figures came from 31 police forces, compared with 27 the year before. Because the responding forces differ, the 87 per cent rise compares the totals supplied rather than an identical group of forces.
Timing and items
- December was the peak month, with 1,830 reported thefts across responding forces.
- 65 per cent of thefts happened between 9am and 5pm.
- Clothing, shoes and accessories were the most stolen items (27 per cent of victims), followed by beauty products (20 per cent) and electronics (18 per cent).
- 21 per cent of victims had a gift stolen.
Consumer survey
A survey of 2,000 UK consumers, carried out in August, found 18 per cent of households had a parcel stolen in the past 12 months, which Quadient estimates at 5.11 million homes. Only 28 per cent of those affected reported it to police.
- 52 per cent regularly have parcels left outside when they are not in, up from 45 per cent last year.
- 70 per cent would rather miss a delivery than risk theft.
- 65 per cent would feel more comfortable using a parcel locker or collection point.
- 78 per cent believe delivery companies should not leave parcels unattended without permission, and 71 per cent say retailers should do more to prevent theft.
West Yorkshire (1,746), Northamptonshire (1,523) and Essex (1,355) recorded the most reports.
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