‘Doorstep pirates’: Dozens of thefts involving Amazon parcels and deliveries reported to Avon and Somerset Police

At least 40 thefts involving Amazon parcels or deliveries were reported to Avon and Somerset police last year.

The figures come after a warning over so-called ‘doorstep pirates’ - criminals who steal parcels and mail from the doorsteps of people’s homes - from a force chief inspector.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, Avon and Somerset Police said there had been 44 reports of theft involving Amazon parcels or deliveries in 2021.

In addition, two residential burglaries featured Amazon parcels or deliveries along with four other reported crimes, including stalking and causing alarm or distress.

Out of the 50 incidents, the highest number took place in December (12).

In Bristol, Staple Hill and New Cheltenham was the police area with the most (four), followed by Filwood, Henbury and Brentry, Southmead (all with two).

In December, Chief Inspector Dan Forster, Avon and Somerset Police’s area commander for South Gloucestershire, said the number of reported incidents of theft of parcels and mail from people’s doorsteps in the district had tripled in 2021, compared to 2020.

He also said some incidents could be going unreported.

CI Forster told a community safety partnership meeting: “If you imagine that you order something from Amazon and it doesn’t arrive because it’s been stolen from your doorstep, do you necessarily report that?

“Do you know it was stolen, or do you just phone up Amazon and they send you another one?”

BristolWorld put the figures from the FOI to Amazon.

The company, which has a fulfilment centre in Avonmouth, said it had a number of ways customers could keep track of where their parcels are, including a map tracking and ‘photo-on-deliver’ features.

It also said customers could provide delivery instructions for when they are not at home to leave parcels with a neighbour or in a safe place.

A spokesperson said: “The vast majority of deliveries make it to customers without issue.

“If something occurs, we work with customers directly to make it right.”

They added: “Amazon Hub offers an alternative pickup option for individuals who prefer not to have their packages left at a doorstep.”

Police website police.uk provides crime prevention advice, including against theft from people’s doorsteps.

It suggests people install a video doorbell or a security light, or use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries.