South London home invasion linked to fake delivery drivers

In South East London, a man named Andrew Miles experienced a terrifying home invasion when he mistakenly opened his door to a fake food delivery. The attacker, dressed in a bright orange Just Eat uniform, held a knife to Andrew and his son’s throats. The assailants then ransacked the flat, thinking there were drugs inside. The incident highlights a troubling trend where criminals use food delivery uniforms to disguise themselves while carrying out illegal activities. Just weeks before Andrew's attack, a 16-year-old named Lathaniel Burrell was shot by a gunman wearing a similar outfit. Andrew described the chaos during the attack, noting that the intruders searched for drugs and stole valuable items instead. Luckily, he was on the phone with his bank when the attackers entered, and the operator called the police. However, the assailants escaped through the balcony before the police arrived, despite leaving behind evidence. Experts suggest that using food delivery uniforms has become a common method for drug dealers to transport illegal substances. These uniforms are easy to buy online, allowing them to blend in with legitimate delivery workers. A former gang member pointed out that this tactic reduces the likelihood of being stopped by police. Numerous instances of drug deals being conducted under the guise of food delivery have been reported, with some dealers even creating online menus for customers. This development has made purchasing drugs as simple as ordering food. Both Just Eat and Deliveroo condemned the misuse of their uniforms, emphasizing their commitment to safety and cooperating with law enforcement. They encourage anyone witnessing suspicious behavior to report it to the authorities.