Dominos Pizzas delivery drivers are safer after the introduction of Romad  and Tracker units, provided by Radiocoms Systems Ltd. David Kelly explains...

Domino's Pizzas combat threatening violence

From the moment I started with Domino's Pizza in January 2007, I realised that the biggest challenge facing the business was that of youths, particularly in city centres, targeting our delivery drivers and riders.

The incidents typically involve a large number of youths, aged between 12-16 years of age, approaching a bike rider and threatening violence if he doesn't hand over his pizza. The staff, knowing not to resist, simply hand over their delivery and return to the store. On other occasions the rider is returning to his moped following a delivery, the youths then demand monies, but quickly realise that the riders carry absolute minimal monies as these days deliveries are increasingly paid for by credit card or on line.

This type of crime had been endured by staff for some time; speaking to other security managers we are not alone. Police class this type of crime as low importance and it certainly is not given the respect normally associated with a robbery. I have been told a number of times by a police officer that 'it was only a few pounds worth of pizza and Domino's is a large company'. My point in reply was that this is a crime against an individual; they are the guys out there who have been threatened, and the crime should therefore be dealt with accordingly.

Pressure has been put on Police Area Commanders, and MP's were petitioned and asked to explain how they were assisting local businesses in their areas in reducing the number of security incidents faced by our stores on a weekly basis. This was greatly assisted by the fact that the managers of these stores began to report each and every incident to myself, therefore providing me with hard evidence to back up my argument. They therefore they had no option but to help.

Having made as much progress as we have there was one massive weak link; getting accurate and precise details to the police without delay, thereby providing the best opportunity for these offenders to be caught.

The ROMAD lone worker device provided by Radiocoms Systems Ltd was tested in a number of our higher risk areas. It was immediately received positively by the delivery riders who wanted to carry it on all deliveries. They realised that their concerns were being addressed by the company as well as providing peace of mind that should they have a problem assistance would be on its way.

From a company point of view the Romad unit successfully does what it says on the box; providing coverage under the Lone Worker legislation, getting the location of the individual staff member and a description of exactly what is going on to the police, a lot quicker than had previously been possible via telephone.

Since the initial trials, Domino's Pizza now provides these units to Head Office field staff as well as commissary drivers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

A number of arrests have been made as a direct result of use of these units The police are more inclined to take positive action against offenders because a recording of the entire incident can be provided as evidence. It also assists in the incident being reported as it happens, thereby providing the best opportunity to effect an arrest.

Radiocoms has also provided moped tracker devices that have also proved very effective and have lead to a number of vehicles being recovered after being stolen that previously would have disappeared without trace.

In summary, the introduction of the Romad and Tracker units to the delivery network of the Domino's Pizza chain has not only created a safer working environment for the delivery drivers but has also directly resulted in the recovery of vehicles that previously would not have been possible, resulting in a reduction in running costs.

David Kelly
National Loss Prevention and Security Manager