Police issue warning after doorstep criminals target parcels ahead of Christmas

Criminals are stealing parcels from people’s doorsteps as Christmas presents arrive while homes are empty.

North Wales Police is urging homeowners to be wary after several parcels were stolen from St Asaph after being left unattended outside a property.

The force said thieves were aware that people’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals were arriving at their homes, and were out in the hope of grabbing them for free.

The force’s Central Division Community Safety team said: “Parcels have been stolen in St Asaph .

“Criminals know your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals will be arriving this week.

“Make sure you make arrangements for your goods to be delivered when you are home or to a trusted neighbour.”

They added that people should take their advice in order to avoid falling victim to “porch pirates”.

The warning comes after police asked the public to be wary of a Royal Mail phishing scam ahead of the Christmas period.

The force said fraudsters are texting customers to tell them that their ‘parcels’ are ready for collection – but they have to pay £2.99 to get them.

Customers are then redirected to a seemingly authentic website with the address of royal-mail.cloud which looks like a standard Royal Mail tracking page.

But the page is actually fake, and is being used to steal people’s details.