Delivery drivers face rising hijacking threat in SA

A worrying trend has emerged in South Africa: criminals are now focusing on delivery drivers, and Tracker, a vehicle tracking group, is raising the alarm about it.

The growth of online shopping and home deliveries due to COVID-19 has boosted the popularity of delivery services.

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This increased demand for quick deliveries has sadly led to a rise in criminal incidents targeting delivery workers, according to Business Tech.

DELIVERY DRIVERS FACE HIJACKING THREAT

According to Tracker, hijackers and criminals are targeting delivery drivers in South Africa.

“Tracker is very concerned that with Amazon’s upcoming launch in South Africa in 2024 and Takealot testing a 1-hour delivery service, hijackings and thefts against delivery drivers will increase.”

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“Regrettably, crime related to online deliveries proves highly lucrative, whether the goal is to steal the delivered goods, seize cash or devices carried by drivers, or commandeer the delivery vehicle,” warns Tracker.

A big drawcard to eCommerce is same-day delivery. People want their goods as soon as possible. However, this need for immediacy has also paved the way for increased criminal behaviour.

Left unchecked, these crimes could negate the positive impact of eCommerce for both small and large businesses.

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Many businesses that make use of delivery drivers are small enterprises. The driver may be an external supplier running a small business as well.

The threat of hijacking could seriously jeopardise their livelihoods and ability to put food on the table, The South African previously reported.

ATTACKS ARE CALCULATED,PREMEDITATED AND ORGANISED

While the trend is not exclusive to South Africa, international criminal activity is often spontaneous, whereas in South Africa, it is calculated, premeditated, and organized.

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The country’s unique struggles include the impact of loadshedding, which grants criminals opportunities under the cover of darkness.

“These robberies have extensive repercussions, impacting not just drivers and customers but also e-commerce enterprises and the broader economy.”

For any eCommerce company that makes use of delivery drivers, Tracker recommends the following:

• Present a safety checklist on how to avoid any incidents.
• Have insurance to cover unforeseen expenses.
• Offer access to services like trauma counselling.
• Encourage drivers/riders to report incidents as soon as possible.
• Adopt preventative technology like onboard dashcams and vehicle tracking.

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Tracker emphasises the importance of collaboration within the e-commerce supply chain to find solutions that reduce the appeal of delivery vehicles as targets for criminals.

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