An Evri subcontractor has been arrested after up to 120 parcels were stolen just days before Christmas.
The 24-year-old was detained in the early hours of Monday after managers at the delivery company expressed concerns about orders not being completed.
The man was arrested on suspicion of theft at an address in Southampton and remains in custody.
A haul of around 40 parcels has been recovered from the same address and transferred to a police evidence store.
Enquiries are ongoing to find the remaining missing parcels but police have confirmed they are unlikely to be returned before Christmas.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: 'Sadly, it's unlikely any of these parcels will now make it to their intended recipients before Christmas.'
In a witty Facebook post, Southampton Police said: 'Twas the week of Christmas, and in our evidence store, staff could barely move, with gifts spread to the door!
'In Southampton, stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but an apology from us, as for many their presents won't be there.
'Rather than nestled, all snug in their beds, our investigators now must complete interviews instead!
'Last week, we received a report that a delivery driver in the city was believed to have stolen more than 120 parcels, when managers for the company became concerned deliveries were not being completed.
'Following some initial enquiries, officers from our response team attended an address in Bassett in the early hours of this morning.
'There, a large number of items were seized, and brought to our evidence store, and a 24-year-old man from Southampton arrested on suspicion of theft by an employee.
'He remains in custody at this time.
'Sadly, it's unlikely any of these parcels will now make it to their intended recipient before Christmas, but our investigators will be working hard this week to track their original destinations.'