"Safe Delivery Program" to Stop Attacks on Restaurant Delivery Workers

Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) Director of Operations Andrew Rigie and Councilwoman Letitia James today announced the creation of the "Safe Delivery Program" designed to protect restaurant delivery workers as they go about their business. The pilot program will begin with restaurants in Councilwoman James' 35th District which consists of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and parts of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, where there have been an alarming number of incidents where delivery people have been assaulted and robbed. Due to the attacks on delivery workers, some restaurants have suspended their takeout service because it is too dangerous. The plan is to expand the program state-wide.

Several deliverymen who have been victimized attended the press conference announcing the pilot program including Assami Semde, the 19-year old pizza deliveryman who fended off a gunman in East Harlem a few weeks ago who was trying to rob him of his pizza pies. He was accompanied by Frank Grecco, his boss and owner of Famous Famiglia Pizza.

District Attorney Hynes said, "Delivery men and women are put in dangerous situations as they are sometimes called to areas that are not well-lit or asked to make deliveries at late hours, they carry money, and they are alone. Predators have assaulted these workers and tried to rob them of their food and money. One advantage of these noisemakers is that it will distract offenders long enough that these innocent victims will be able to flee or at least notify police."

The "Safe Delivery Program" will equip delivery people with patches for their hats, coats or bicycles so that the public is aware that these employees are part of the program. In addition, the NYSRA will provide delivery workers with cell phones with a built-in GPS system. The phones will be programmed to call 911 in case of an emergency. They will also carry a noisemaker which is an alarm worn on the wrist with a flashlight. When the noisemaker is activated, it emits a loud, piercing sound of 130 decibels. In addition, participating restaurants will have stickers in their windows, informing people that they are participants in the program.

According to the Myrtle Avenue BID Association, approximately 10% of their member restaurants in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have reported that their delivery workers have been assaulted in the past. However, it is believed that there are more occurrences as these crimes often go unreported. There is currently no system in place to document it.

NYSRA Director of Operations Andrew Rigie said, "Restaurant delivery service is quintessential to New York City and is part of our culture. The recent reports of assaults on delivery men and woman are a concern for all the members of the communities where these attacks occur. The Safe Delivery program will help ensure the safety of these individuals and allow restaurants to deliver delicious meals to people's homes."

Councilwoman Letitia James said, "There have been repeated instances where restaurant delivery people in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have been threatened and/or robbed. I have always sought innovative solutions to public safety issues and this Safe Delivery Program is the latest collaboration. I am pleased that we have been able to partner with District Attorney Hynes and the New York State Restaurant Association in developing this pilot program so restaurant delivery workers can be safer when working."

The New York State Restaurant Association serves to protect, promote and educate their members to better serve the public and serve as a "legislative watchdog" on federal state and municipal levels. They have over 8,000 member units statewide which include caterers, college and university food service providers, contract feeders, country clubs, franchised restaurants, independent restaurants, purveyors and post-secondary students majoring in food service/hospitality management.