Hundreds of packages stolen from a Danish parcel shop in Køge have sparked growing concern over rising thefts across the country. Both delivery firms and shop owners are pushing for better security as the holiday season intensifies.
Massive Package Theft Ahead of Christmas
In the busy Christmas shopping season, parcel shops all over Denmark are packed to capacity. But at Thyme Garden Center in Køge, that rush ended abruptly when burglars broke in overnight on December 6 and snatched an estimated 600 packages. The thieves disabled security cameras before taking both the footage and hundreds of parcels waiting to be picked up.
The incident has left many locals stranded without their orders. Some arrived expecting to collect gifts, only to find empty shelves and closed counters. For many, the missing packages included Christmas presents meant for friends and children.
Break-ins Spreading Across Zealand and Funen
Parcel carrier DAO confirms three break-ins in Zealand during the past week alone—occurring in Valby, Køge, and Hørsholm. According to DAO, this is more than what they typically see in an entire season. Their parcel shops are now overflowing after a holiday rush starting on Black Friday, creating ideal conditions for thieves to strike.
DAO’s management noted that robberies often happen at locations lacking video surveillance. The burglars pry open the parcels on-site, quickly scanning for anything valuable before disappearing with select items.
At the same time, Bring, another major logistics company, has also seen a handful of theft cases this winter. Although the company has made security a high priority, it still experienced several incidents primarily in Zealand and one in Funen. The company confirmed that intruders often use crowbars or other heavy tools to force entry into parcel storage areas.
Popular Targets Include Electronics and Designer Fashion
Once the thieves gain access, they tend to open all the parcels to inspect their contents and leave empty packaging behind. According to Bring, most of the stolen goods are electronics, fashion items, and premium accessories. While the total number of affected customers remains limited, both the company and authorities warn that theft attempts are becoming more organized.
Meanwhile, the industry remains alert. Increased security concerns come at a time when other Danish service sectors, from pest control to local logistics, are also experiencing surges in seasonal demand and pressure.
Consumers Unsure Who Is Responsible
The thefts have also caused confusion among customers about who should replace stolen packages. Under Danish consumer law, when buyers pay for both the product and delivery through the same retailer, the seller remains responsible until the buyer has physically received the item. This means customers must file their complaint with the store that sold the product, not the courier.
Many who lost their gifts were told to wait for guidance from their delivery company, leading to delays and frustration. The incident highlights how consumers often misunderstand delivery liability rules, especially during peak shopping periods.
Parcel Shops Bolstering Security
After the burglary, Thyme Garden Center installed reinforced doors and additional motion-sensitive alarms. DAO officials have also encouraged stores to add more surveillance, arguing that visible security can prevent some crimes. However, smaller shop owners say the cost of advanced systems is difficult to bear, especially as holiday traffic grows.
Similar break-ins have been reported by other carriers, including GLS, which confirmed three cases in November and December—two on Zealand and one on Funen. Although PostNord’s management said they have not registered a significant increase, they have launched a campaign encouraging Danes to pick up their parcels quickly to reduce risks inside collection points.
Holiday Deliveries Under Pressure
Naturally, the surge in online shopping continues to strain Denmark’s delivery networks. Even though carriers insist that thefts affect only a small fraction of packages, customers remain uneasy. The combination of busy stores, high-value goods, and overstretched staff creates openings for coordinated thefts.
Authorities and postal firms are now reviewing potential safety upgrades in parcel shops, from better lighting to additional monitoring. For now, the safest advice for customers is to pick up their deliveries soon after receiving notification and to report any stolen item to both the retailer and the courier.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish pest control overwhelmed as calls for help double
The Danish Dream: Security in Denmark for foreigners
TV2: 600 pakker stjålet fra pakkeshop – flere virksomheder oplever tyverier
