PEOPLE who deliver fast food for takeaways are being urged to take extra care after a rise in robberies.

Notts Police is warning the number of people robbed while delivering food orders in Notts has increased over the past six months.

In one incident, a man was delivering a pizza in Primrose Gardens, St Ann's, on May 3, when he was attacked by a large group of people. His mobile phone and food were stolen.

In another incident on May 5, a man was attacked by three men as he delivered takeaway food in Westgate, St Ann's.

The victim ran off but was chased by the offenders, aged about 15 or 16, who then stole cash from his pocket.

A pizza delivery driver was also attacked by two men and threatened with a knife in Castleton Close, in The Meadows, in the early hours on June 7.

He suffered injuries to his hand and legs and the pizza and cash he was carrying were stolen.

Richard Stones, Notts Police's business crime manager, said: "In the last six months, we have had incidents where so-called customers call a fast food outlet and make an order for food.

"Unsuspecting delivery drivers are going out with food and carrying cash on them.

"They have no idea that they are being set up to go to locations where they are going to be robbed.

"I would urge everyone who works in a fast food store to take extra measures to ensure they do not become a victim."

Fast food businesses are being advised to ask for payment by card over the phone before delivering food if possible.

Notts Police are advising delivery drivers to use a car instead of a motorbike and to deliver food in pairs.

Businesses are encouraged to use caller ID if possible and to sign up to www.nottsbusinesswatch.co.uk, where fast food workers can monitor crime trends and receive crime prevention advice.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Notts Police on 0115 967 0999.