- Police advise using click-and-collect services after recent spike in parcel thefts
Near 1billion parcels will be delivered to homes between now and December 25
But couriers who are not diligent can leave parcels on doorsteps and driveways
Citizens Advice had 22,000 hits on lost and stolen parcels webpage last month
The growth of internet shopping means almost one billion parcels are set to be delivered to homes between now and December 25.
Royal Mail alone is set to deliver 500 million packages.
Couriers often leave parcels on doorsteps and driveways.
Citizens Advice have reported more than 22,000 visits to its lost and stolen parcels webpage last month.
Hundreds of people have taken to social media to complain after being victims of the thefts - with some accusing parcel firms of not taking complaints seriously.
In Camden, North London, police are advising residents: ‘Choose click and collect so you can collect your parcel from a secure location.’
Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: ‘With a stronger drive to shop online, it has presented thieves an opportunity to target parcels.
‘But this type of crime is preventable and we’re asking everyone to do all that they can to stop this crime happening.’