I dont know what to tell you. the management always tells me to get a new route. That doesnt solve the problem.
I was once approached behind my vehicle, and the crap was falling on me when I opened the door, and so I was already p**sed off, and this guy with jeans down to his knees says "give me some money", I said do you think if I had any friendin money to give away I would be doing this? He slid his hands into his pockets, the pants slid down further and 3 police cars pulled in screech, screech, screech and they all jumped out guns drawn. I delivered my 100 boxes and left. I guess you could say the cops look out for me, or was it luck? I dunno.
I was told not to make eye contact. I make sure I make eye contact. I treat everyone the same, we are all humans. Its the actions after that that separate us. Surprisingly you may make someones day. I recently got a scented air diffuser form someone in the hood who" just loves me coz im so nice" Not something I would ever buy but that was thoughtful. I have been here long enough that most of the young men were in diapers, so I am pretty much safe. I love dogs, and kids, so I have had contact with all of them for years. Even when they are trying to act all hoodie, they still smile and wave at me. Does this make me comfortable? Not for a moment. If a person gets on drugs they will kill their mother.
When the sign says go to the back, I do not, unless it is daylight, I know there are no loose dogs, and we have personally discussed this locale.
I find the young women to be worse than the young men. Apparently they have learned more respect from their parents than the girls do. Show no fear, just like a dog they smell it. And the dogs, if they are out, or you think they might be out, use that horn. That is the only time I use it in the ghetto. These are usually not family pets, but guard dogs. We are told not to turn and run, I turn and run if I can make it. I have had more than one bounce off my side door, as I flung it shut. I could not have held off its brutality with a diad or a stern voice. I have lived with many large dogs, presently dobermans, and when they are guarding, you are in a heap smilet of big trouble, when you go in their territory.
I go early, or not at all. Never after dark.
I did get robbed in the broad daylight, but I saw no guns. I had my door open getting out a huge exercise machine. I was on the steps of the house, 6 ft from the back of my truck. 4 of them, 1 of me. I did get a warning letter for getting robbed.
B smart, safe, and deliver their packages. Ups does not want to deal with what is in them, and you have no protection if you turn one in. If its shipper release to a vacant house, just deliver it, you do yourself a favor.