New national figures reveal that parcel theft has soared to record levels – with Hertfordshire among the worst-affected areas in the country.

Freedom of Information data obtained by technology firm Quadient shows that £666.5 million worth of parcels were stolen across the UK in the past 12 months, nearly £290 million more than in 2024. More than 4.8 million households suffered at least one stolen delivery – a 31% rise year on year.

Despite this dramatic increase, reporting remains extremely low. Just one in every 353 thefts is reported to police, suggesting the true scale of the problem is far higher.

Hertfordshire among national hotspots

Hertfordshire recorded 767 parcel theft reports, placing it among the top three worst-affected regions in the UK, alongside Leicestershire (799) and Kent (750). Only the City of London (3) and Cheshire (16) saw significantly lower figures.

With Hitchin residents increasingly relying on home deliveries, the county's ranking will be of concern locally – particularly as the busiest period for online shopping approaches.

Not just a Christmas problem

While December remains the peak month for doorstep thefts, November is now the second-busiest month, driven by Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. What was once a seasonal spike is now a year-round risk for consumers.

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The average value of a stolen parcel has also jumped sharply, rising from £102 to £138.

Public losing confidence in doorstep deliveries

Research carried out by Quadient suggests the public is increasingly uncomfortable with parcels being left unattended:

• 64% of people say they would prefer secure parcel lockers or collection points.
• 68% would rather miss a delivery entirely than risk a theft.
• 79% believe authorities should take parcel theft more seriously.

Call for safer collection options

Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, Director of Lockers Automation Europe at Quadient, warned that the trend shows no sign of slowing.

"Parcel theft has risen dramatically in the past year, and with the busiest delivery season approaching, the message from consumers is clear: they don't want packages left on their doorsteps anymore," she said. "With UK households losing an estimated £666.5 million in just 12 months – many in broad daylight – the findings make a clear case for making secure parcel lockers the norm, not the exception."

With Hitchin residents now entering one of the most high-risk months of the year for doorstep thefts, the new figures are likely to reignite calls locally for safer delivery options and greater awareness of the rising risk.