Deliveroo to hire 50 ‘safety’ workers in wake of moped acid attacks across Stratford, Hackney and Islington

Deliveroo is hiring 50 staff dedicated to ensuring the safety of its riders in response to last month’s acid attacks in Stratford, Islington and Hackney.

On July 13, a moped rider threw acid at six men in a 72-minute spree. One of them was seriously injured, and at least two were Deliveroo riders.

The food delivery giant’s recruitment drive comes after our sister paper the Hackney Gazette reported riders in Hackney are refusing to work past 9.30pm out of fear of being attacked. Drivers say they have been accosted by gangs who demand they hand over their wheels.

One Deliveroo driver warned some couriers were so annoyed at the lack of protection they were considering taking vigilante action against the gangs.

The 50 new staff will be deployed UK-wide, and riders can approach them in person in specified places. They will work with police, councils and ambulance services.

The company will also update its app so riders can alert bosses to safety concerns and “problem hotspots”, as well as providing GoPro cameras to be worn on the helmet and used as evidence if required.

Dan Warne, managing director for Deliveroo UK and Ireland, said: “We will do everything we can to protect our riders and have put in place new measures so that riders can report any concerns they have or even move to work in another area if they feel unsafe.

“We are working closely with the police and local councils, and sharing all the information our riders give us in order to help tackle crime against our riders, which is why we’re implementing new measures like our app, and helmet-mounted cameras. These will allow us to work together, share information, and bring criminals to justice.”

A 16-year-old boy from Croydon faces a trial over last month’s attacks. He denied 15 charges in relation to the incidents. An initial hearing is scheduled to take place at Wood Green Crown Court on August 14.