Pizza delivery a dangerous job

But good pay, flexible hours make up for risk

By SCOTT DAUGHERTY Staff Writers

Published 11/28/09

They work late nights driving beat-up cars that smell of cheese and sausage. And every time pizza delivery drivers head out, they fear being robbed by some crook looking for an easy mark with ready cash.

Scott Daugherty - The Capital Chris Shaffer, a driver at Papa John's in Parole, delivers a pizza Friday afternoon, just outside of Annapolis.

But in a down economy with the holidays fast approaching, the chorus sung by those couriers of crust and cheese is almost unanimous: They do it for the money.

"It's a real good part-time job," said one driver at a Domino's franchise in Hanover who declined to give his name because he did not have permission to speak to The Capital. And even though he was robbed three years ago and one of his...

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wow - 2009-11-28 13:53:02

Being "ambushed by an opportunistic junkie" leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Not that I defend the actions of someone who robs folks, especially someone who is working hard to make ends meet. But come on, maybe some investigative journalism needs to be done to address the need for best practice treatment, or to address the need to overcome the conviction barrier when someone is released so they can get a job. Maybe, that individual would be out delivering pizzas instead of stalking delivery drivers. Kudos to the companies that wont deliver to "war zones", these potential victims should not have to work in areas known for a high crime rate. However, not every person addicted too or using drugs is a bad guy or girl looking to rob someone. I bet if a random drug screen was done at the paper one might find some "opportunistic junkies" working to get this news out.

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Jay Clarke - Norfolk, va - Karma: Neutral

Pizza Delivery Drivers Rock!!! - 2009-11-28 09:59:37

They make our world a better place. They shouldn't be required to drive with company logo on their cars. Crimes committed against them should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. My daughter worked as an inside manager at a pizza outlet, all through high school. All pizza delivery guys should get the fullest protection from the law.

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James Thomas - Millersville,, MD - Karma: Neutral