Porch pirates strike every 7 seconds in the UK

Quadient has revealed new analysis showing that a record breaking 4.83 million homes fell victim to porch piracy last year equal to one package stolen every seven seconds.

Building on Quadient’s 2025 Parcel Theft Report, new consumer research reveals the hidden human cost of these crimes. More than a third (37%) of people who had experienced porch piracy say it caused them stress and anxiety, with women more likely to feel this way than men (42% versus 33%). While over a quarter (26%) say the theft left them feeling unsafe or more vulnerable where they live.

Parcel theft also disrupts day to day life and relationships. More than a quarter (26%) of victims say it delayed them from doing something important, while almost one in four (24%) say they disappointed someone – for example, by not having a gift or item they had promised.

Beyond the emotional and social impact, nearly three in ten (29%) victims say parcel theft caused them financial loss, as they struggled to secure refunds or replacements. With £666.5 million worth of parcels stolen across the UK last year, the cost to consumers is significant.

And for many, that combination of stress and cost is a turning point in how they shop and receive deliveries. After a theft, almost two-fifths (38%) change their delivery instructions, almost a third (30%) start using parcel lockers for deliveries, and one in ten (13%) go so far as to avoid online shopping altogether.

However, the ripple effect extends well beyond direct victims. More than one in five (21%) people haven’t been targeted themselves but know someone who has – and of those, almost two-thirds (65%) say it has made them more cautious about deliveries and where parcels are left.

‘Parcel theft isn’t just about lost goods, it is about lost peace of mind,’ said Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, director of Lockers Automation Europe at Quadient. ‘When something as everyday as a delivery starts to affect your mental health or how safe you feel at home, it becomes a wellbeing and trust issue, not just an inconvenience.’ 

‘Knowing that a parcel is now stolen roughly every seven seconds in the UK shows how urgent it is to change the way we deliver packages,’ Katia continued. ‘Beyond the psychological impact, people are changing how they shop and increasingly looking for safer options. Retailers, carriers, landlords and local authorities all have a role to play in restoring trust and making secure options the norm, so consumers can feel confident that their parcels and their peace of mind are protected.’

Click here to download the 2025 Parcel Theft Report.