Basingstoke police are now investigating after six parcels were stolen in the Rooksdown area.

As previously reported by The Gazette, dozens of residents have reported missing packages in the past week.

At least three said delivery company Hermes sent them a notification to say their parcel had been delivered to an 'outbuilding' only for it to never arrive.

Hermes has been contacted for comment. 

Now tonight, officers have revealed they have been made aware of six thefts in the past week alone.

A spokesman said: "We have been made aware of six thefts within the past week that have occurred in the Rooksdown area of Basingstoke, whereby residents have had parcels delivered by Hermes, which subsequently have been taken by unknown persons.

"These parcels were left in unsecured areas such as outhouses, sheds, garages and/or outside the front door.

Read more: Residents complain after Hermes parcels mysteriously go missing 

He continued: "At the moment officers will be patrolling the area and looking for suspicious persons possibly looking for these parcels that are left unattended.

"Whilst we do not know who is doing this it is important that if you are ordering parcels, especially Christmas gifts, you set your delivery instructions appropriately.

"If you are expecting a parcel but will not be at home, please set your delivery instructions to ensure the parcel is delivered to a neighbour if possible or consider changing your one hours’ time slot to when you will be at home.

"If anyone has any information regarding these thefts or has any CCTV or ring doorbell footage showing anything that could be of use to us please get in touch via 101 or you can let us know on our website. If you see anyone taking parcels from doorsteps then please call us on 999."

Last night, The Gazette reported how frustrated residents had taken to social media to try and track down their parcels.

One woman said she had been at home all day when she received confirmation from the company that her parcel had been delivered.

But she said there was no knock at the door and her parcel was nowhere to be seen.

She wrote: "Has anyone taken a parcel addressed to me? Hermes said it delivered at 7.02pm but I've been in the house the whole time so I'm guessing it was delivered to the wrong house." 

While another resident, Linda Cendi-Askew, wrote: "Anyone got my parcel? Hermes said it delivered at 7.30pm in my outhouse but I don't have one. It's a child's pair of pyjamas with the name Louis on them."

 

On the same day, Chris Albery-Jones wrote: "I don't suppose anyone on Peggs Way or streets nearby has had two parcels delivered to them by mistake? Hermes claim they delivered two parcels to an 'outbuilding' but we don't have one." 

And a fourth resident, Lindsay Mahoney, wrote: "Hermes have just sent me an email saying they have delivered my parcel to my outbuilding at 7.40pm this evening .. funny because I don't have an outbuilding. So on the off chance that someone has a parcel for me in their outbuilding or on their door step, could you let me know please?" 

 

One resident took matters into their own hands by tracking down a Hermes driver to get their attention, writing: "I just saw the van and ran up to him to ask if I could have my package.

"He said it wasn't him yesterday and he didn't know what I was talking about but hopefully we will get them today?" 

One resident came to Hermes' defence, following the string of complaints from the public.

Lisa Elizabeth praised the company, writing: "After reading some negative comments about delivery drivers, can I just shout out to the very nice young man who has delivered my parcel from Hermes today? Perfect service. I know how busy you are. Thank you." 

As well as the current issue with Hermes, there are a number of reports on social media about residents in other parts of Basingstoke including problems including Popley, Rooksdown and South Ham.

  • Have you been affected by this issue? Email megan.hinton@newsquest.co.uk