More than five million households in the UK have experienced parcel thefts in the past year, according to new figures that indicate a significant rise in "porch pirate" activity.

Recorded parcel thefts across 31 police forces in the UK increased by 87% in the year between July 2025 and June 2026, with 12,802 incidents reported, up from 6,851 the previous year.

A separate survey suggests that approximately 5.1 million families were affected by parcel theft, with two-thirds of victims aged between 22 and 44. Over half of those polled reported that deliveries were frequently left outside their homes unattended, an increase from 45% to 52% in the past year.

Despite the surge in thefts, only a small percentage of reported incidents result in charges. Of the 11,658 reported thefts, 189 charges were pursued. Arrest data from 21 police forces showed 462 individuals were detained in connection with 9,761 reported thefts.

West Yorkshire recorded the highest number of thefts with 1,746, followed by Northamptonshire (1,523) and Essex (1,355). The most commonly stolen items included clothing, shoes, and accessories, reported by 27% of victims. Beauty products or cosmetics were lost by 20%, and electronics or gadgets by 18%.

Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, executive vice-president at Quadient, a firm that supplies parcel lockers, noted that "parcels left outside for hours create an easy opportunity for thieves and an avoidable risk for customers," especially with key shopping periods like Black Friday and Christmas approaching. Analysts estimate that over £600 million worth of parcels were stolen from doorsteps in 2025.

In one notable case, Ronald De-St-Aubin, 61, was jailed for 22 months for a spree of parcel thefts from homes in west London. Residents, frustrated by ongoing thefts, provided police with doorbell footage that helped identify and apprehend De-St-Aubin. He pleaded guilty to six counts of theft, with stolen items including designer clothing, champagne, and children's wear.

Detective Sergeant Andy Swindells of the Metropolitan Police stated that De-St-Aubin's offending had a significant impact on victims and that "brazen criminality... will not be tolerated."