Porch Pirates in Berkshire: What the Stats Say and How to Stay Protected
- Shocking parcel theft statistics across the UK
- How Newbury, Thatcham, and Reading are affected
- Real steps to protect your deliveries from doorstep theft
As online shopping continues to rise, so too does doorstep theft — a crime now known as "porch piracy." With national losses now estimated at £376.6 million per year, it's clear that the problem is growing fast. But what does that look like in Berkshire?
Whether you're in a leafy cul-de-sac in Thatcham or a terrace near Reading town centre, the rise in doorstep thefts is being felt. Busy households, return-to-office workdays, and careless delivery practices have made it easy pickings for opportunists. It's not just missing packages — it's the frustration, time wasted, and the helplessness that follows.
Porch pirates are targeting homes across Berkshire in broad daylight
The Local Picture
From Newbury to Reading, we've seen a steady rise in complaints around parcel theft. Despite signs like "Do Not Leave Parcels Outside," residents report missed deliveries, unhelpful couriers, and blatant theft in broad daylight. Here's what the wider data says about when, where, and who is affected:
"I had a Vinted parcel stolen via a label swap. I delivered it to the courier agent at Costcutter in Thatcham. Someone removed my label and stuck it on a different parcel. My item was stolen."
"Would help if Amazon and Evri complied with 'DO NOT LEAVE PARCELS OUTSIDE' signs."
"I've had stuff stolen from the doorstep, and despite signs asking Amazon/Royal Mail etc, it's still left there. They take a photo to prove it was delivered, then customer service questions you when you say it’s missing."
Most thefts occur between 9am and 5pm while you're at work
📊 Porch Pirate Statistics (Tap to Expand)
🗓️ Time of Year Most Thefts Happen
21% of all parcel thefts happen in November and December — peak online shopping season.
🏘️ Property Type Most Affected
Two-thirds of thefts happen at houses, but flats are now prime targets due to multiple parcels being left unsecured.
📈 Who’s Most at Risk?
Nearly half of all victims are under 35 — a generation more reliant on online shopping and more likely to be away during the day.
What You Can Do
- 🔔 Install a smart camera like Ajax MotionCam to record real-time footage of your doorstep
- 📱 Use app-based sensors like DoorProtect to track movement around your property
- 🧑🤝🧑 Coordinate with trusted neighbours for deliveries
- 📦 Choose delivery lockers or secure drop-off services for high-value parcels
- 💡 Install motion-sensitive lighting to deter snooping
Want help figuring out the right setup? We offer free local security consultations across Berkshire with no hard sell — just practical advice tailored to your home.
Your doorstep shouldn't be your weak spot
Check Parcel Theft Data in Your Area
Want to dig deeper into parcel theft stats in your area? Use the Daily Mail’s interactive map to check reports by police force. Simply enter your local constabulary and see the number of incidents, average value stolen, and more:
