How to keep your parcel deliveries safe

Why delivery safety matters

Here in the UK, we love to shop online. And, with retailers offering lots of delivery options, shopping for whatever you need from the comfort of your sofa or getting that last-minute gift you forgot about delivered the next day has never been easier. 

But with so many deliveries every day in the UK, problems can arise. You never know who might be walking around looking to steal parcels left unattended outside properties. In 2025, more than 4.8 million households had at least one parcel stolen, with the total value of stolen goods reaching £666.5 million (Source: Quadient). The rise of these ‘porch pirate’ thieves means it’s more important than ever to plan ahead to protect your deliveries or collect them from somewhere that can hold them safely for you. 

Tips for keeping your deliveries to your home address safe

Most couriers offer an option to use a safe place for delivery, look out for this when placing your order. Depending on if you’re going to be at home or out, you’ll want to make sure your parcels are safe once they’ve arrived at your house. Here’s some simple steps you can take to make sure that happens:

• Choose a safe place: Set a designated spot for couriers to leave parcels. This could be a locked box with an access code, a shed, a big letterbox, behind a gate or in a big plant pot. Remember to pick a spot that’s sheltered from the weather and out of sight from the street 
• Use delivery instructions: Most couriers let you add custom instructions when you order. You can specify a safe place, provide an access code or ask for them to deliver to a neighbour if you’re not going to be home
• Ask a neighbour: If you trust your neighbours or are friendly with them, ask them if it’s possible to take in your parcel when you’re out. Let your courier know in advance
• Check proof of delivery: Keep in mind some services might need a signature as proof of delivery. If so, the courier won’t be able to leave your parcel in a safe place without someone to receive it. It’s always best to check with the retailer or courier before your parcel is sent 
• Track your parcels: Use tracking to know when your delivery is due and to spot any issues quickly so you can manage them. Many couriers offer real-time updates by email or text. These help you be ready for delivery, either by being at home yourself or arranging for someone else to be there in your place. If you can’t, make sure you give clear alternative delivery instructions 

How to set up a safe place for deliveries

Setting up a safe place is simple, but a few details can make a big difference: 

• Pick a safe spot: Choose a place that’s hidden from the street and the public, like behind a bin, amongst big plant pots, inside a porch, or in a lockable box. Avoid places that block doors or walkways, especially if living in an apartment block or shared living space. Choose the desk, delivery area or a communal space that may provide delivery options if living in an apartment block
• Consider weather conditions: Make sure the area is dry and sheltered from rain to avoid your parcel getting wet and damaged
• Sharing correct details with couriers: If you use a lockbox, make sure you share the correct access code with your courier in the delivery instructions when ordering
• Deliver to your place of work: If you work mostly in the office or at a specific workplace, ordering your parcel to be delivered to your workplace address can save you the hassle of trying to be at home or asking a neighbour to take the delivery. Check your workplace is okay with this first, though
• Deliver to a Post Office branch: We offer a safe place for parcel collection at selected Post Office branches. We talk more about parcel collection later in this article