Bedfordshire named parcel-theft hotspot as ‘real-life Grinches’ strike ahead of Christmas
People in Bedfordshire are being warned of parcel thieves after the county was named as a hotspot for the crime in the run up to Christmas.
Data shows Bedfordshire Police recorded the highest number of parcel theft of the 21 forces studied – and most of the ‘real-life Grinches’ targeted addresses in November, December and January.
Freedom of Information data shows an estimated 4.83 million UK households had at least one parcel stolen in the past 12 months – a 31 per cent year-on-year rise, with losses put at £666.5 million.
Detective Inspector James Day, of Bedfordshire Police CID, said: “We know that parcel theft can have a significant financial and emotional impact on those affected, especially during the holiday season. Crime of this nature will always be taken just as seriously as any other theft.”
He urged shoppers to be at home when they are delivered, give a safe alternate location or an address of someone trusted.
A spokesperson for OnlineSpyShop.co.uk, which sells covert security gadgets, said: “If you’re having hundreds of pounds’ worth of presents dropped on your doorstep in December, you can’t leave them unprotected anymore.
“Every Brit should assume their front door is on a thief’s delivery route – and act like it.”