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Police forces highlight the risk of ‘porch pirates’

They say it might mean having to go to collect it from your local garage or corner shop, but it’s far safer than having it left outside your property

Kent police commissioner on retail crime

Police forces across the UK have urged shoppers to make use of parcel-pick-up points in local shops due to a rise in ‘porch pirates’ stealing goods left on doorsteps. 

Nottinghamshire Police listed recent instances of phones, clothes, perfumes and other parcels being stolen from doorsteps in the run-up to Christmas, while Merseyside Police said residents would “be better off” having parcels, especially high-value items, delivered to a safer space. 

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The force said: “It might mean having to go to collect it from your local garage or corner shop, but it’s far safer than having it left outside your property.” Northamptonshire Police also urged the public to pick up from their local shop. The messages add fuel to the already booming parcel market in stores this Christmas. 

One retailer usually making £80 per week told Better Retailing they made £250 from parcels last week. 

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