Home Security
Checkatrade issues home security warning as 'Porch Pirates' steal £1.2bn from UK shoppers annually
With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, UK shoppers are set for a surge in parcel deliveries, but experts have warned of a growing threat. Checkatrade, the UK’s leading home improvement platform, is urging consumers to review their home security and protect packages from 'Porch Pirates'—thieves who target unattended parcels.
New data shows that 23 million packages are stolen or go missing from UK doorsteps each year, costing consumers a staggering £1.2 billion annually. And with UK deliveries expected to rise 10% this festive season compared to 2023, the risk of theft is greater than ever. As a result, savvy homeowners are investing more in security. Checkatrade’s UK Home Improvement Index showed a 41% upsurge in spending on home security projects alongside a 14% jump in security and alarm jobs.
The emergence of parcel thieves is hitting real people, with 36% of Brits having had a package stolen from their doorstep. Meanwhile, for people under 45 who are likely to use parcel services more frequently, the figure climbs to over half (51%), according to new research from Checkatrade.
UPS
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23 million packages stolen from UK doorsteps each year - worth a huge £1.2 billion
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Pinched gifts cause three in ten Brits to arrive without a loved one’s gift on Christmas Day
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Checkatrade sees security jobs increase as Brits spend more to combat Porch Pirates
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As deliveries rise 10% in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas, Checkatrade’s renovation specialists share home security tips to keep parcels safe
Porch piracy has ruined many a festive plan, with 28% of victims left without a gift to give to a family member come Christmas day and 24% not receiving a present sent to them. A further 31% have been left out of pocket due to missing packages.
Checkatrade’s security specialist, Dan Smith of Smith & Greens Security Ltd, shares his top tips to help ward off thieves:
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Choosing the right landscape - Gravel in a front garden has benefits beyond its aesthetic appeal. The loud crunch created by footsteps on gravel makes it harder for thieves to approach and leave a property unnoticed, and this could deter them from targeting a home in the first place.
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Putting them in the spotlight - Porch pirates typically seek out dark, unmonitored entryways. Installing outdoor motion-sensor lighting is a powerful preventative measure as it makes it more challenging for thieves to operate under the cover of darkness.
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Install a video doorbell or camera - For those in flats or apartments, security options may feel limited. However, installing a video doorbell or surveillance camera at your entrance can act as a deterrent and a helpful tool for catching unscrupulous characters in the act.
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Use tactical front gardening - The landscape design of front gardens can be used as an advantage. Gardens with more foliage offer discreet locations for packages to be hidden rather than being exposed on patios. Front gardens with good foliage cover increase the time and effort it takes to steal parcels, likely reducing porch pirates' willingness to do so.
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Keeping the lights on - A home in complete darkness is a clear giveaway that no one's home. It’s worth installing a timer on interior lights or installing smart bulbs. Timings can be randomised too so Porch Pirates don’t notice them turning on and off at the same time every day.
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Secure packages with a lockbox - Lockboxes provide a secure place for package deliveries, and, if your budget allows, consider building a bespoke box that sits discreetly in your front garden which is less obvious to prying eyes.
Checkatrade is warning consumers to review their home security as online shopping becomes increasingly central to our lives - particularly during the festive season. With a network of almost 4,000vetted home security experts and electricians, Checkatrade is the best way to find a trusted tradesperson to help consumers take the necessary precautions to protect their homes.
