Delivery Drivers in Danger: Package Theft, Attacks & Isolated Drop-Offs

With technology always advancing, there seems to be more and more quick and easy solutions to most every day occurrences. The rise of delivery services that can bring pretty much anything and everything straight to your door is one of the most well-known and useful when it comes to these kinds of advancements.

Despite all the benefits that quick and efficient delivery services offer, they still have a fair amount of drawbacks. A particularly critical and negative element of delivery services is the effect this profession has on its human workforce. Most notably, the danger that delivery drivers face every day.

That being said, there are ways that technology can be beneficial when it comes to helping delivery drivers stay safe while working, such as lone worker alarms. In this article, we’ll be looking more closely at the dangers faced by delivery drivers as well as how lone work monitoring can help.

Rising violence against delivery personnel

A report written and published by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) from November 2024 revealed that a whopping 60% of delivery food workers and couriers based in London don’t feel safe while doing their jobs. That’s more than half of the delivery work force in the UK’s capital city, which is more than a little concerning.

Another shocking statistic comes from popular UK delivery service Deliveroo, who stated that there had been a 28% increase in incidents involving abuse towards delivery drivers within a six-month period (from summer 2024 to November 2024). This situation is so severe that it led to the creation of Deliveroo’s ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign, designed to protect delivery drivers.

Violence and abuse are a particularly serious challenge faced by delivery drivers, which is why it’s more important than ever for protective measures (such as personal alarms) to be put in place.

Rural route isolation vs. urban crime risks

Different kinds of environments create their own risks for delivery drivers. Rural routes not only lead to issues with navigation and isolation for drivers, but the collision risk is known to be much higher. Farming UK shared that around 10,000 people have died while travelling on rural roads in the past 10 years, while Road Safety GB notes that it is four times more likely for rural collisions to lead to death.

Delivery drivers are more at risk of becoming part of these statistics due to working alone and constantly being on the road. So, it’s important for them to keep themselves protected. Isolated drop offs can also be an issue when working in rural areas, as delivery drivers often find themselves in the middle of nowhere at all times of the day.

Urban routes have their fair share of risks when it comes to collisions too. But these environments also increase the chances of hostile behaviour and violence as well as theft and equipment targeting. Despite urban areas being highly populated, protection is essential.

Staying safe with doorstep confrontation protocols

Delivery drivers must know how to react in the event of an aggressive confrontation with a customer. Their ability to remain calm and professional while de-escalating the situation is crucial. Here are some tips on how to implement effective doorstep confrontation protocols:

• Be wary of escalation issues by watching for early aggression signs, such as an aggressive tone of voice, signs of intoxication or abusive language.

• Use de-escalating, neutral and calm language when conversing with the customer. Avoid blunt, rude, sarcastic or harsh responses.

• Remove yourself from the situation if the aggression rises.

• If necessary, refuse delivery on the grounds of threatening, aggressive behavior.

• Report the confrontation immediately and provide all the necessary information.

Personal alarms for delivery drivers

Lone worker alarms can be an effective tool to ensure the safety of delivery drivers. These devices offer peace of mind for workers and their families. Let’s take a look at some of the most relevant features that SureSafe lone working alarms have to offer delivery drivers.

Real-time routing and safety zones

When it comes to effective safety protocols for delivery drivers, devices that offer real time routing and safety zones are a must, such as devices that offer geo-fencing (which are virtual safety areas). SureSafe offers lone worker personal alarms that include all of these features as standard.

Contactless delivery safety features

SureSafe’s personal alarms also offer contactless functionality that can be invaluable to delivery drivers when they are facing a difficult situation, such as the ability to talk through the device. One touch SOS panic buttons are also available with the SureSafe lone worker alarms, making it easier than ever for workers to reach out for help if necessary. SureSafe has a response centre that is manned 24/7, so no matter where they are or what time it is, delivery drivers can feel safe and supported.

Learn more about SureSafe personal alarms for delivery drivers

Delivery drivers are facing more and more issues every day due to the nature of their work and the rising demand for superfast deliveries. Lone worker alarms can be that additional safety net to help delivery drivers feel at ease in their work, while also providing peace of mind for their friends and families.

SureSafe devices provide simple to use and affordable protection for lone workers, offering a range of features including 24/7 monitoring and the ability to talk to your contacts or our response centre directly through the alarm.

To learn more about how SureSafe can offer safety and peace of mind while you, your employees, or your loved ones are at work, give us a call at 0800 112 3201 or try our live chat. You can also request a call back via our easy online form.