Delivery Driver Robbed In Solon; Police Give Protection Tips

SOLON, OH — On Sunday, at about 3 p.m., a delivery truck driver had his vehicle stolen from him, at gunpoint, while he was on Longview Drive. Police have asked residents with surveillance cameras in that area to provide their security footage.

The vehicle was a white Dodge delivery van, according to police. Two black male suspects, driving an unknown car and a dark van, are believed to have carried out the crime.

"This is not typical for us, but we are prepared to deal with it," the Solon Police Department said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Hofmann or Det. Harvey at 440-337-1465 or 440-337-1463, respectively.

Solon Police then assuaged resident fears by outlining what can be done to prevent crimes in the future.

"...consider this, in order to have a crime, you need to have three things. The Desire, the Ability, and the Opportunity. If you can remove one of those things, then you can prevent crime," the department said on Facebook.

To remove desire, ability or opportunity is easier than it sounds. One of the basic crime prevention steps is locking the doors of a home or vehicle, police said. Never leave your car running and unattended, even on those chilly winter morning. Try to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in your neighborhood. If something is out of place, or seems suspicious, let the police know.

"One example is observing people lingering in a car for a long period of time that you don't recognize, with no attempt to approach a nearby house. Continue to do the routine things you always do, like walking your dog, jogging, gardening (shoveling snow), etc. Just be aware of your surroundings," police said.

The department noted that after this incident, delivery drivers should be particularly cautious when on their routes. By virtue of their profession, delivery drivers must be predictable — they must use the same, exact route day-after-day. That makes it easier for criminals to map where a driver will be and when.

"If it seems like someone is following you, keep moving, know where you are, call 911, drive to a local police station while you call for help, and if someone threatens to take what's yours, consider giving it up and becoming a good witness," the department said.

Photo from Shutterstock