Overview
- Police and survey data reported a 77% year‑on‑year rise in parcel theft, with above‑average risk in big cities such as Glasgow, Greater London, Manchester and Bristol, and police hotspots including Leicestershire, Hertfordshire and Kent.
- If a parcel is missing, check likely hiding spots and neighbours, contact the courier with tracking details for proof such as delivery photos, then notify the retailer to request a refund or replacement.
- Nominating a neighbour or a ‘safe place’ shifts the risk to the buyer once the item is left there, so experts advise avoiding such instructions and considering lockers, tracked delivery and doorbell cameras.
- Goods must arrive within the agreed timeframe or within 30 days, with the right to end the contract and receive a refund to the original payment method within 14 days, plus debit chargeback (typically within 120 days) and Section 75 credit card protection for £100–£30,000 purchases.
- Which? is promoting a free complaint letter tool for late, missing or damaged deliveries, and Royal Mail is reminding customers of final UK posting dates running from 17 to 23 December, which can change, so posting early is advised.