Protecting Your Parcels: A Complete Guide to Porch Pirates

What Are Porch Pirates?

Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages left unattended on doorsteps, porches, or outside homes and flats. The term originated in America but has become increasingly relevant in the UK as online shopping has exploded in popularity.

These criminals operate through various methods:

• Following delivery trucks through neighbourhoods
• Pre-planning targeted areas based on delivery patterns and neighbourhood reconnaissance
• Watching for delivery notifications on social media
• Targeting areas with high foot traffic and easy escape routes
• Looking for packages left in obvious, unsecured locations
• Operating during typical delivery hours when residents are at work
  

The Scale of the Problem

The statistics paint a concerning picture of porch piracy in the UK, UK-Specific Data (2024

• £376.6 million worth of parcels were stolen across the UK in the past year
• 19% of Londoners have had a parcel stolen in the last 12 months – the highest rate in the country
• Nearly one-third of UK residents report having a delivery go missing from outside their home
• People living in flats are 24% more likely to have packages stolen compared to those in houses

Global Context:

• In America, 58 million packages worth $12 billion were stolen in 2024
• 1 in 4 Americans have been victims of package theft
• 18% of people experienced package theft during recent years

How Porch Pirates Operate

Understanding their methods can help you better protect your deliveries:

Common Tactics:

• Following delivery vehicles and watching where packages are left
• Pre-planning routes through neighbourhoods with high delivery volumes
• Monitoring neighbourhoods during typical delivery times (9am-5pm)
• Targeting obvious packages left in plain sight
• Quick grab-and-go approach to minimise risk of being caught
• Focusing on busy areas where they can blend in with foot traffic

Peak Times:

• Weekdays during working hours when most people are away
• Holiday seasons (Black Friday, Christmas) when package volume increases
• After major sales events when delivery volumes spike
  

The Real Risks

Porch piracy isn't just about losing a package – it can have wider implications:

Personal Impact:

• Stress and inconvenience of missing deliveries
• Loss of important items (medication, gifts, essential items)
• Feeling unsafe in your own neighbourhood
• Time lost dealing with theft reports and replacements
  

Community Impact:

• Increased crime rates in residential areas
• Reduced trust in delivery services
• Neighbours becoming suspicious of each other

How to Protect Yourself from Porch Pirates

Delivery Timing:

• Schedule deliveries for when you're home
• Use delivery time windows offered by carriers
• Request signature confirmation for valuable items
• Coordinate with neighbours to accept packages when you're away

Secure Delivery Locations:

• Designate a safe place away from public view
• Use your back garden or side entrance if accessible
• Install a lockable parcel box or secure delivery box
• Arrange delivery to your workplace if possible
• Use carrier pickup points for secure collection

Technology Solutions:

• Video doorbells to monitor your front door
• Security cameras to deter thieves and provide evidence
• Package tracking apps to know exactly when deliveries arrive
• Smart locks for secure package storage

Shopping with Diecast Model Centre: Your Secure Options

At Diecast Model Centre, we understand the importance of getting your collectibles safely into your hands. We offer several secure delivery options to help protect your purchases:

Signature Required Deliveries:

All orders over £100 automatically require a signature upon delivery, providing an extra layer of security for your valuable collectibles. This ensures someone is present to receive your package and eliminates the risk of it being left unattended.

Safe Place Delivery - Important Considerations:

While you can set up a designated safe place for deliveries during checkout, it's important to understand that once the carrier delivers to your specified safe place, their responsibility ends. If the package subsequently goes missing from that location, it becomes your loss rather than a delivery failure.

Safe place options include:

• Your back garden or porch
• Behind a specific bin or planter
• With a trusted neighbour
• In a secure outbuilding
• Lockable parcel box or secure delivery box

Our Recommended Secure Options:

For maximum security, we strongly recommend having your order delivered to a premises where someone is available to receive it:

Workplace Delivery:

• Have your models sent directly to your workplace
• Ensures someone is present to sign for the package
• Eliminates the risk of unattended packages

Carrier Official Pickup Points:

We offer convenient pickup points through Evri at secure locations including:

• Local shops and convenience stores
• Supermarkets
• Post offices
• Petrol stations

Your package is held securely by the carrier until you collect it at your convenience, with no risk of theft.

Alternative Delivery Addresses:

• Friend or family member's nearby address where someone will be home during delivery
• Different nearby address where you'll be present to receive the package

FREE Collection from Us:

For ultimate security and peace of mind, you can collect your order directly from our premises in Gainsborough completely FREE of charge. This eliminates any risk of theft and gives you the chance to inspect your models immediately.

What to Do If You Become a Victim

If your package is stolen, here's what to do:

Immediate Steps:

1. File a police report – this helps track crime in your area
2. Contact us immediately at hello@diecastmodelcentre.co.uk or 0333 344 9824
3. Check with neighbours – sometimes packages are left with them
4. Review any security footage you might have

Our Support:

At Diecast Model Centre, customer satisfaction is our priority. If your package is stolen:

• We'll work with you to resolve the issue quickly
• We may offer replacement or refund depending on the circumstances

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best defence against porch pirates is prevention. By using secure delivery options where someone is present to receive your package, staying alert to delivery notifications, and choosing retailers who offer flexible delivery solutions, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Remember, your security and satisfaction are our top priorities. Whether you're adding to your diecast collection or starting a new one, we're committed to ensuring your models reach you safely.

Questions about secure delivery options? Contact our friendly team at hello@diecastmodelcentre.co.uk or call 0333 344 9824 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). We're here to help ensure your collectibles arrive safely every time.