Pizza man tells of fears after attacks

A PIZZA delivery man attacked twice in two-and-a-half years today spoke of the daily dangers he faces as police urged fast food outlets to take steps to protect their staff.

The police warning came as security of fast food delivery drivers was thrust into the spotlight by two separate attacks in Ipswich.

James, 20, who was too scared to have his surname made public, has told of his fears after he was the victim of an attempted robbery as he delivered pizzas in Withipoll Road.

A gang of men attacked his vehicle in order to rob him of the pizzas he was delivering between 7.30pm and 8pm on February 20.

The attack came two-and-a-half years after James was robbed at knifepoint for a pizza in October 2004.

That crime featured on the front of The Evening Star and James, who was then a teenager, was left shocked. However he said he has been left more traumatised by the recent crime, even though a weapon was not used.

He said: “It was terrifying to be honest and I was more shaken up this time. This time it was more violent and I didn't know what was going to happen.”

James was called to Withipoll Road to deliver pizzas costing about £45 but when he arrived he was greeted by a group of “dodgy” guys who approached his car. They asked him the time but he drove off because he did not feel comfortable with the situation.

However when James arrived back to work at Pizza Hut in Foxhall Road he was called out again by the original customer.

When he got there a man came from the back of the address but told James he had forgotten his wallet and went back towards the house.

James said: “He came back and got some money out. As I went to get the money he pulled it away and looked over his shoulder.

“I looked behind me and there were three lads behind my car.”

James tried to wind his window up but the man stuck his arm through and tried to take his car keys. There was a tussle but eventually James managed to reverse away.

He said: “It is quite a dangerous job. You are by yourself and people know you are coming. It was lucky I had my wits about me.”

One of James' colleagues was also attacked in Orchid Close, Ipswich three days earlier.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “There have been two broadly similar offences so we would ask fast food outlets to be careful.”

Anyone with information about either incident should call Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Are you a delivery man who has been attacked? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.