MORE than 200 parcels have been stolen from doorsteps in Dorset in the last three years.

The figure is one of the highest in England and Wales and now online shoppers have been warned to ensure their parcels are delivered to a secure location.

The highest level of parcel theft was in Lancashire with 292 crimes with South Wales Police reporting that there were no such thefts in their area.

The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request made by iParcelBox.

Founder Paul Needler said: "It’s clear that the online shopping surge is fuelling a new crimewave of parcel thefts across the UK. For opportunistic thieves, the chance to steal an unattended parcel that is sitting on the doorstep is irresistible.

"Asking the delivery driver to place your package under a flowerpot or behind your wheelie bin when you’re out should no longer be an option."