Parcel theft is on the rise across the UK, with recent figures suggesting a growing problem.
According to a 2024 report by Quadient, the total value of stolen parcels reached £376million, up from £204million the year before.
Southwark resident Oscar Saxby has had several parcels stolen from outside of his flat in Bermondsey.
He said: “The advice I would give is just to be extremely secure on your parcels, maybe more so than you think is necessary, because I was very surprised by how quickly and efficiently these thieves operate.
“It’s actually kind of crazy to be honest.”
Thieves have become increasingly bold.
In one case reported by Southwark News in 2021, a teenage boy allegedly disguised himself as a delivery driver in order to swipe parcels from doorsteps.
Police are urging residents to track deliveries, use video doorbells, or have items delivered to neighbours or parcel lockers.
In Wandsworth, community WhatsApp groups have helped neighbours alert each other to incidents, and residents are being urged to stay vigilant.
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Featured Image Credit: Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash
