Fifth of delivery drivers fear they might be attacked as murder investigation launched

After calls for delivery drivers to get more protection doing their rounds, detectives are investigating the murder of a man in Leeds.

The incident comes after unions called for action earlier this year, as more than a fifth of delivery drivers feared they might be attacked while doing their job.

Now police are investigating the murder of delivery driver Mr. Kondor, 42 who was pronounced dead at the scene in Heights Drive, Wortley, on Tuesday evening after his silver Ford Transit Cargo van was stolen in Alliance Street while he was making a delivery.

According to West Yorkshire Police, Mr. Kondor had delivered a package to an address about half a mile away in Alliance Street at about 6.45 pm and had returned to his van to find a male attempting to steal it.

When he tried to stop them, they drove off at speed with the victim only partly in the passenger door of the vehicle.

The van was then in collision with two parked cars on Heights Drive and was driven away leaving the victim injured in the street.

Officers attended and found the victim unconscious with members of the public trying to help him. He was given emergency treatment by ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

At the time, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said:

“Our investigation remains at an early stage but, based on what we currently know, this appears to be a truly shocking incident where the victim has been killed while going about his business as a parcel delivery driver.

“His family has been informed and they are completely devastated about what has happened. We are working to support them at what is a really difficult time and are doing everything we can to get them the answers they need.”

But unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as earlier this year we wrote an article about another delivery driver who was murdered when a thief stole his van and ran him over with it while he was delivering a parcel in Wales.

Meanwhile, In February this year, another driver was pulled from his van and attacked in Derbyshire, and Edinburgh, the issue has become so widespread that drivers have labelled ‘danger zones’ to avoid these attacks.

One in five delivery drivers attacked or threatened

According to the BBC, it is thought one in five home delivery drivers has been attacked or threatened by the public in some way.

One in five (20%) home delivery professionals have been attacked or threatened by members of the public, while over a third (35%) feel at risk while they are out working alone, especially at night or when in isolated locations, according to a study carried out by Peoplesafe.

The survey was conducted by lone worker protection specialist Peoplesafe and was completed by over 500 couriers and delivery drivers.

Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe said:

“These are hugely alarming statistics that highlight the dangers faced by home delivery operatives every day,”

“These essential workers, who play such an important role within the UK’s supply chain – particularly throughout the pandemic and national lockdowns – deserve peace of mind that they are safe from any threat when they are working, but should the worst happen, someone is on hand to come to their aid.”

More than 20% of respondents are taking conscious steps to protect themselves while they are out on their delivery routes.

Although most are relying on common sense to stay safe – locking doors, being aware of surroundings, varying routines and keeping in touch with people – others are using some form of safety equipment, such as mobile, alarm or camera devices.

“There is significant anecdotal evidence that suggests that couriers and delivery drivers have faced growing threats during the COVID pandemic, with well-documented examples of hijackings, attempted thefts and road rage incidents.

“With this added risk they are feeling increasingly vulnerable when they are out making deliveries, so it is important that they have access to appropriate personal safety, ” concludes Dossa.

Lack of safety training

Figures show that at Christmas last year, 86% of Amazon drivers said “job demands put them or others at risk of harm,” because of the conditions of the pressures and conditions of the role.

A BBC Breakfast report raised concerns about how much training delivery drivers get as well as what happens if a driver is robbed of a parcel.

One driver e-mailed in to say he got two days of training when he started the job with a delivery firm, where he was told that if he was robbed while out and about, to let the item go, but he may be personally charged for the missing item. As a result, he moved to another company but claims he got no safety training there.

The increase in attacks on delivery drivers comes after reports show that the number of violent attacks on retail workers rose to 1,300 a day last year, up from 870 a day the year before.

Further reading

Criminal injury claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Physical assault claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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