Police investigate string of pizza delivery robberies in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Pizza delivery drivers were targeted by thieves at least three times in July 2024.

While the Savannah Police Department (SPD) doesn’t want to call this a trend, it is something they have on their radar.

Cpl. Barry Lewis says they have been working with delivery companies to make sure drivers know how to stay safe.

“You’re still a person out there. You need to protect yourself the best way you can,” Lewis said. “You can’t just jump in a car these days and show up. You have to make sure you’re doing the right things for the right people at the right times in the right places.”

Each of the robberies happened late in the evening. Instead of delivering a pizza and being on their way, the drivers were faced with a person or group of people armed with a gun and demanding money.

This exact situation is something SPD officers look to prevent with their neighborhood resource officers.

“If it looks dark, if there’s a bunch of people hanging around the house that you don’t know, you see people covering their face, people walking off, people just hanging out… and you’re not comfortable, it’s not worth it,” Lewis said. “So, I would continue to drive, and we tell people to continue to drive until you verify what you are doing and who you’re delivering to.”

He also says drivers should carry small bills, verify the address, be aware of their surroundings and keep the doors of their delivery vehicles locked at all times and your windows up.

Lewis added that the consequences for this crime are severe, as it is a felony, and could mean a stretch behind bars even if the robber doesn’t get away with much.

SPD has a tip sheet for delivery drivers to follow, along with their company’s policies.

We have a downloadable copy below.