National Business Crime Centre helping delivery drivers stay safe
The National Business Crime Centre is urging delivery drivers to take practical security steps to protect their cargo and themselves as we head into the busiest period of the year.
December will see a significant increase in demand for home deliveries as people do their Christmas gift shopping and grocery orders online. Unfortunately, that means the people who operate courier delivery vehicles face an increased possibility of being targeted.
Only a few weeks ago in Surrey, three delivery drivers were targeted within the space of an hour. All three drivers were doing home deliveries when they were threatened with weapons and robbed between 9-10am.
The NBCC has previously worked with the Institute of Couriers to produce a best practice van security poster to help employers raise awareness of the issue and provide tips to stay safe. They have also produced a comprehensive crime prevention guide on ‘Delivery Driver Security’.
Andy Magromallis, Chair of the Institute of Couriers security group commented: “This time of year in particular couriers are extremely busy and against the clock. They will be focused on getting the job done and not necessarily on the safety and security of their cargo and themselves. It is important that courier companies take the safety of their employees seriously and make sure they are all aware of potential threats and how to minimise the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. We would urge all courier companies to download the free guidance from the NBCC and use it to educate their employees ahead of the busy festive period.”
In addition to the crime prevention guidance for delivery drivers, the NBCC has developed a ‘Food Courier Safety Guide’ to provide practical advice to individuals and the companies who make food deliveries using mopeds and bicycles.
NBCC lead Supt Patrick Holdaway said: “Every year we see more people doing the majority of their Christmas shopping online which means the number of courier deliveries increases significantly. Often temporary drivers are bought in to help with the busy period and don’t necessarily have the same awareness of the potential risks they face.
“We want to help delivery drivers take practical steps to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of a robbery. It can be a traumatic experience for those targeted and can also lead to significant financial losses for the companies involved. We hope the guidance we have produced will provide employers with a free resource they can use to help protect their drivers from harm.”
The NBCC 'Safety at Work' flyer can also help any employee make a quick risk assessment to decide on what action to take to avoid potential danger and stay safe.