New analysis of Quadient’s 2025 Parcel Theft Report has uncovered the human impact of parcel theft in the UK, after 4.83 million homes in the UK were victims of porch piracy last year – equal to one package stolen every seven seconds.
The analysis uses new consumer research to measure the human cost of these crimes. More than a third (37%) of people who experienced porch piracy said it caused them stress and anxiety, with women more likely to feel this way than men (42% versus 33%). Over a quarter (26%) said the theft left them feeling unsafe or more vulnerable where they live.
Parcel theft also affects day-to-day life and relationships, with more than a quarter (26%) of victims saying it delayed them from doing something important. Almost one in four (24%) said they disappointed someone – for example, by not having a gift or item they had promised.
Beyond the emotional and social impact, nearly three in 10 (29%) victims said parcel theft caused them financial loss, as they struggled to secure refunds or replacements. £666.5m (US$902m) worth of parcels were stolen across the UK last year, according to Quadient.
Parcel theft can influence how victims 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 10 (13%) go so far as to avoid online shopping altogether.
“Parcel theft isn’t just about lost goods, it’s 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 well-being 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. 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.”
You can access the report here