We were contacted by reporters from Tampa, FL, and we called for more government action to promote safety for delivery workers.

Click here to watch the report from Fox 13 Tampa Bay.  

In both cases, drivers were directed to a housing complex and could not find the exact address. 

They called the customer’s number and were directed around to the back of the building where they were ambushed by young men with masks and knives who snatched the pizza and ran away.

While these robberies are still under investigation, we want to remind you of some safety tips that the police provided:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look for signs of danger or suspicious activity before you exit your vehicle or approach a delivery location.
• Be cautious of delivery locations that appear unsafe (vacant lots, no lights, no yard maintenance, etc.). If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about a delivery location, do not leave your vehicle. Drive to the nearest safe location and call your contracting company.
• Trust your instincts. If something does not look or feel right, do not make the delivery. Immediately return or go to the nearest safe location.
• You should not be redirected to a different address or location after the original order is placed. If this happens, contact your contracting company for verification.
• Always have your cell phone nearby and don’t hesitate to call 911 in the event you feel threatened or see something suspicious.

• According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, delivery drivers are among the most likely workers to be robbed on the job, with an average of 24 robberies per 1,000 workers each year.
• To reduce the risk of being robbed consider carrying a personal alarm or pepper spray for self-defense, invest in a body camera or a dash cam to record any incidents, and use a GPS tracker or an app to share your location.
• Don’t put signs on your vehicle that identify you as a delivery driver who may be carrying cash.
• Be sure to turn off your vehicle if you are leaving it unattended.
• In the event of a robbery, don’t resist. Comply with all the robbers’ demands. Just try to get an accurate description of the robber(s).

Resisting/fighting will only get you hurt or possibly killed. IT’S NOT WORTH IT