Stop Parcel Thieves This Christmas

As we enter the busy run-up to Christmas, the volume of online shopping and home deliveries increases dramatically. For opportunist thieves, it represents a massive surge in easy pickings—parcels left unattended on doorsteps.

We understand the convenience of home delivery, but the moment a package is left outside your door when you are out, it becomes a high-value, easy target. The North East Crime Reduction Team is urging the public to take proactive steps to protect their purchases and discourage opportunist thieves throughout the holiday period and beyond.

Three Safer Delivery Strategies to Use Today

If you know you won't be home to accept a delivery, switching your delivery preference is the most effective form of prevention. Consider these alternatives to your doorstep:

Choose a Designated Safe Place (Out of View)

If you have a secure location at your property that is out of sight from the street and cannot be accessed by someone walking past, use it. This location must be out of general view and may include:

⚠️ Remember: A 'safe place' is not behind a small plant pot or under a doormat. It must be truly hidden, difficult to access, and, most importantly, out of view.

Utilise Click & Collect or In-Store Pickup

Many retailers offer the option to collect your purchase directly from one of their physical stores. This is one of the most secure methods, as the parcel is kept in a protected environment until you can retrieve it. This is a recommended option for high value Christmas gifts.

Third-Party Collection Points (Shop Pick-ups)

A growing number of services allow you to have your parcel delivered to a secure third-party location, such as a local shop, Post Office, or designated parcel locker.

This option allows you to collect your goods at your convenience.

🛑 Remember, just don’t:

Leave a key under a mat or in a hiding place for a courier.

Assume a front door camera will always deter or prevent the theft (they primarily help after the crime).

Request delivery on a day when you know your property will be empty for a long period.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.