Suffolk County, NY - December 1, 2015 - Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber would like to offer safety tips for delivery workers and their employers who may be targeted by perpetrators looking for cash or goods.

The safety and security of residents is the department’s highest priority and while officers do their best to protect and serve, it is also important for people to be educated and armed with knowledge to protect themselves during a crime. Robberies of fast food delivery people are on pace to be down in 2015 with 15 through the first 11 months of the year compared to 20 for all of 2014. Because delivery drivers may find themselves vulnerable to criminals, the department is offering the following advice to drivers and owners of businesses:

• Ask for a call back number for customer and verify the number before delivery.
• Try to use a credit card only policy for all deliveries.
• Delivery vehicles should have a sign that indicates drivers do not carry cash.
• Allow drivers to wear regular clothes and not uniforms.
• Equip drivers with cell phones.
• Drivers should not carry weapons that could be used against them.
• Avoid late night deliveries.
• Never deliver to a home that looks vacant.
• Don’t flash money during transactions.

If you are a victim of a crime, remember the following tips:

• Remain calm and follow suspect’s instructions.
• Try to focus on suspect description, vehicle and plate number.
• Call 911 as soon as possible.

In addition to the above tips, it is critical for delivery drivers to follow their instincts. If you don’t feel safe, then call for assistance.