Huge pile of Christmas Evri packages dumped in woods sees 'parcel thief' arrested

A man has been arrested in connection with a huge pile of reported stolen parcels taken from an Evri delivery depot and fly-tipped in a wood in Kent.

Large sacks full of deliveries were found dumped in woods in the Luton area of Chatham, Kent.

A local resident made the discovery while out walking on 4 December and last week Evri, formerly known as Hermes, apologised to affected customers and launched an investigation.

Police were also alerted and say, as part of their investigation, they have arrested a man on suspicion of theft in connection with parcels missing from a depot in Aylesford, Kent.

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A police spokesperson said: "I can confirm an investigation into reports of parcels being stolen from a depot in Aylesford is ongoing.

"This was reported to have taken place between November 28 and December 5."

Officers say enquiries are ongoing and the man arrested has been released on bail until 6 March 2023.

After images of dumped parcels were posted online, disgruntled shoppers took to social media to vent their frustrations.

One resident said: "This could be why my parcel didn't arrive."

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Another online shopper added: "I've been waiting for a parcel since November 25. Can't get through to anyone."

An Evri spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that we were alerted about a number of parcels that had been dumped at a local fly-tipping location.

"Our local team visited immediately and recovered the items.

"We have contacted the police who are taking the necessary action and we have also launched a full investigation.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure the public that this is a rare incident and will not impact deliveries moving forward."

The courier company only recently opened a huge new distribution depot nearby in Panattoni Park, Aylesford, near Maidstone.

The depot can handle more than 220,000 parcels each day - over double as many as its previous site a few miles away in Quarry Wood.