Photo: Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Police Department issued several safety recommendations on social media following an increase in robberies targeting food delivery workers in Hyde Park and Mattapan neighborhoods. In recent weeks, authorities have received multiple reports of workers being robbed while attempting to deliver food to customers. Most incidents involved one or two individuals approaching food delivery workers with weapons before stealing their deliveries.
The safety tips include:
- Remain Aware: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when delivering in unfamiliar or low-visibility areas.
- Verify Address Details: If something seems suspicious about the delivery location, consider contacting the customer through the app or calling the delivery company for verification.
- Stay in Touch: Let a friend or family member know your route, or use apps that allow real-time location sharing.
- Avoid Carrying Cash: Minimize carrying cash while working and report any customers who insist on cash payments outside the app’s payment system.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation doesn’t feel right, don’t approach. Call the customer from a safe distance or notify the platform and leave the area.
According to Statista, the U.S. is home to the second-largest online food delivery market behind China. Approximately $353 billion in revenue was generated by the meal delivery segment in 2024. By 2029, the market is expected to exceed the $500 billion mark, making it a hazardous environment as food delivery workers become targets.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) has more.