The Fake Delivery Driver

A quiet cul-de-sac. A man in a high-vis jacket. A parcel that never existed. One decision prevented a crime.

Part 1 – The Knock at 8:47 p.m.

It was 8:47 p.m. on a wet Tuesday night when the knock came—firm, deliberate, not aggressive, just… certain.

David Foster muted the TV. He wasn’t expecting anyone. The cul-de-sac was silent except for rain tapping car roofs.

He approached the door but didn’t open it. Habit. He looked through the frosted glass.

A silhouette: male, hood or cap, high-vis jacket, a parcel under one arm.

Late for a delivery.

He waited. The man leaned closer than any real courier would. That was the first alarm bell.

"Delivery for you, mate."

No name. No company. No address. Too casual.

"What's the address on the parcel?"

Two-second pause too long.

"Uh… depends. You Foster?"

Wrong. Couriers never ask you to confirm the name first.

Part 2 – Inside the Door

The man became irritated when David insisted on verification.

"Mate, just open up, yeah? Need a signature."

Real couriers do not pressure people through a locked door.

David held his phone up so the figure could see the silhouette of it against the glass.

"I'm filming now and calling your company to verify."

The man froze. Shoulder tense. Then—fast steps backwards. A car door. Engine revving. Gone.

Part 3 – The Immediate Aftermath

David’s adrenaline rushed. Hands shaking. Legs weak.

He checked every door, every window, even the little bathroom one he always forgot.

Eventually he called 101.

The call handler reassured him: “You did the right thing. We’ve had similar calls.”

Part 4 – Reporting What “Didn’t Happen”

The next day, the police phoned him back confirming multiple similar reports.

They thanked him. His report helped establish a pattern.

Part 5 – The Pattern Reveals Itself

Neighbours began sharing similar stories. A warning sign went up at the Co-op.

"Suspicious caller alert – verify ID before opening."

Part 6 – The Parents' House

David warned his parents. They listened—mostly.

Then one night… a knock.

The same routine. The same pressure. His mother held up her phone.

"I'm calling the police now."

The man fled instantly.

Part 7 – The Second Attempt

This time David felt anger—and pride. His advice had kept his parents safe.

Part 8 – Community Action

The estate held a meeting. Police confirmed multiple linked incidents.

People left with knowledge—not fear.

Part 9 – Practical Lessons

1. Not every knock deserves a door opening.

Check first. Decide second. Open last.

2. Instinct is a safety system.

3. Verification is your right.

4. Phones are safety tools.

5. Reporting near misses saves others.