Readers say doorstep theft is a ‘nightmare’, but some thieves have not got what they expected in parcels

• Police warn UK shoppers over ‘porch pirates’

Doorstep parcel thieves are making off with a variety of gadgets and pricey fashion items ranging from computer monitors to Ugg footwear. However, the “lucky dip” nature of the crime means some crooks are opening their pilfered packages to discover they contain biodegradable cat litter or incontinence pads.

An increase in home shopping has fuelled a rise in doorstep thefts, with “porch pirates” making off with an estimated £376m-worth of goods in the 12 months to August.