How to keep online parcel deliveries safe from being nicked off your doorstep — plus find out how to win £5,000 with Sun Savers

ONLINE shoppers are being warned to watch out for “porch pirates” – thieves who swipe parcels that are left on doorsteps – in the run-up to Christmas.

The crooks wait for couriers to drop off packages such as laptops or jewellery, then steal them while buyers are out.

With the online shopping rush already in full swing, and Black Friday coming up next week, retail experts estimate losses could run into tens of millions of pounds this year.

Research by the Citizens Advice Bureau found that one in five UK consumers has had a delivery go missing, while a study by home security firm Nest showed almost a third of burglaries now specifically target outdoor buildings, sheds or storage spaces.

Lionel Guicherd-Callin, from Nest, said: “One of the most frustrating things about online shopping is the delivery.

“Worries include having to wait in all day and finding an item worth hundreds of pounds visible from the street or having an item go missing.”

So if it happens to you, what are your rights, and how can you get your cash back? Here are our tips . . .

BEFORE YOU ORDER: Read the seller’s terms and conditions and delivery information carefully. Some firms automatically leave items on the porch or with a neighbour unless you say you are not happy with that. Be clear about what you want the delivery driver to do.

PREVENTING A THEFT: Ensure your hedges or plants are trimmed and are not obscuring entrances. Anything that hides what a burglar is doing should be removed.
Get a security camera fitted and get to know your neighbours, who can be a second pair of eyes for you.
If you trust them, take in each other’s parcels.

IF YOUR PARCEL GOES MISSING: Know your rights. The 2015 Consumer Rights Act says that the retailer is held responsible for the product until the goods are received.
If your package is left on the doorstep without your permission, you can argue the company is in breach of contract.
Speak to its customer services, keeping a record of the time you called and who you spoke to, or communicate on email so you have a record. If the retailer doesn’t replace or refund your stolen items, escalate your complaint. You can do it for free at resolver.co.uk.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? If you’ve missed a delivery and get home to find a card through your door, always check the delivery company’s instructions before setting off for the depot — it could save you a wasted journey.
The delivery company may say you need to leave it a certain amount of time before the goods will be ready to collect.

Some firms allow you to rebook a new delivery online.

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