Royal Mail Parcel Stolen From Doorstep: How to Get a Refund (UK)
If your parcel was left in an unsafe place and stolen with a Royal Mail delivery, you have rights as a UK consumer. Under Section 29 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the goods stay at the retailer's risk until they come into your physical possession, or that of someone you nominated to receive them. A photo on the doorstep does not by itself show that delivery was safe. If you bought goods online, the retailer is responsible under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Personal Royal Mail claims apply when you posted the parcel yourself. Use this page to check what to do next, the Royal Mail claim window, and when to escalate if the retailer refuses. Compensation figures vary by service, so always verify the current numbers on Royal Mail's website before relying on them.
How to claim a refund
- 1
Check any safe place mentioned in Royal Mail's delivery photo. Look at CCTV, doorbell footage or neighbour cameras.
- 2
Report the theft to the police on 101 and get a crime reference number. This strengthens your refund claim.
- 3
Photograph the delivery location to show why it was unsafe. Save the Royal Mail delivery photo and any location details shown.
- 4
Contact the retailer in writing. Cite Section 29 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015: the goods stay at the retailer's risk until they reach you or someone you nominated to receive them.
- 5
Include the crime reference number and the photo evidence. Ask for a full refund or replacement.
- 6
If the retailer refuses, escalate via Section 75 (if you paid on credit and your purchase qualifies), a chargeback (usually within 120 days; check with your bank) or the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS).
Royal Mail compensation and escalation
- Claim window
- 30 calendar days of the eligible claim date on Tracked 24 and Tracked 48, which most retailers ship on, and up to 80 calendar days from posting on other services (verify on the Royal Mail website)
- How to claim
- Royal Mail's online claim form (proof of posting and contents required)
- Escalation
- the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS)
Frequently asked questions
Should I claim from Royal Mail or the retailer?
Claim from the retailer. If you bought goods online, the retailer is responsible under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Personal Royal Mail claims apply when you posted the parcel yourself. Your contract is with the retailer, so it is the retailer's job to deal with Royal Mail.
What is Royal Mail's claim window for this issue?
30 calendar days of the eligible claim date on Tracked 24 and Tracked 48, which most retailers ship on, and up to 80 calendar days from posting on other services (verify on the Royal Mail website). Always check the current terms on Royal Mail's own website before relying on a deadline.
What if the retailer refuses to refund?
If you paid on credit, you may have a Section 75 claim against your card issuer or lender for a single item (or a set sold together) with a cash price over £100 and up to £30,000, paid for wholly or partly on credit, most often a credit card (some point-of-sale loans and store or catalogue credit also qualify; paying through PayPal or some marketplaces can rule it out). If not, or if you paid by debit card, ask your bank about a chargeback; the usual time limit is about 120 days, but check with your bank. You can also escalate via the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS).
Royal Mail left the parcel in a "safe place" — am I out of luck?
Not necessarily. If you did not authorise that safe place, the goods were still at the retailer's risk. If you did, the question is whether the courier followed your instruction. A photo on a doorstep does not by itself show safe delivery.
Do I need a police report to get a refund?
Not always, but a crime reference number strongly supports your claim. If the retailer refuses without one, get one from 101 to remove the excuse.
