More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of UK consumers have experienced a parcel delivery problem, including missing or stolen packages, new research from Collect+ has found.

The findings come as £666.5m worth of parcels were reportedly stolen across the UK last year, up from around £377m the previous year.

Security is increasingly influencing delivery choices, with one in 12 consumers now citing parcel security as their main concern.

Parcel shops are proving a popular alternative to unattended doorstep deliveries, with 73 per cent of consumers saying they have used one. This rises to 79 per cent among 25–34-year-olds.

Convenience is also important, with 87 per cent saying a choice of delivery and collection options matters when shopping online, while 88 per cent consider proximity to home or work important when choosing where to collect, return or send parcels.

Sam Holden, director of parcels and ecommerce at PayPoint director of parcel and e-commerce Sam Holden said: “Security is front of mind for many shoppers, particularly when deliveries are left unattended. Parcel shops give consumers reassurance that their parcels are being held safely until they are ready to collect them.

“At the same time, customers want delivery options that fit around their lives, whether that means collecting on the way home from work or returning an online purchase at the weekend.

“Our retailer network across the country are helping make that possible, providing convenient, local locations where shoppers can collect and return parcels securely.”

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