Domino’s
A staff member makes a pizza at a Domino's Pizza restaurant in Moscow, Russia, July 14, 2017. Picture taken July 14, 2017. Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo

Pizza company Domino’s has opted to ban night-time deliveries to an Australian suburb after groups of young people reportedly threw rocks at its drivers, resulting in broken car windows. In Bunbury, anyone from the suburb of Withers craving for Domino’s pizza at night time will now need to travel to the local branch to pick up their orders.

“Domino’s Bunbury has temporarily stopped deliveries to some areas of Withers,” a company spokesperson said. News.com.au reports that discounted pizzas are being offered to Withers residents if they pick up their own meals during the delivery boycott.

Ten streets were impacted by the night-time delivery ban, a spokesperson for Domino’s has confirmed. The company's management came up with the decision earlier this week, seeking to prioritise the safety of its drivers amid reported incidents of attacks in the area.

The spokesperson added that the highest priority is the safety of its team members following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in which cars were damaged. The company understands that the announcement is disappointing to local customers and thanked them for their understanding.

Perth Now reports that local police has been focusing on the suburb in recent years. CCTV cameras are being installed to help curb crime in the area.

Last year, a fast food delivery driver was threatened with a machete. Based on local reports, three men drove off the driver’s car, which was found torched in an Armdale park.

Attacks on delivery drivers have become an area of concern for local police. WA Police have worked with several chains to ensure the safety of workers as an increasing number of WA restaurants turn towards offering delivery options.

Domino’s will work closely with local police. It looks forward to recommencing deliveries in the near future, the spokesperson added.

According to a Wall Street firm, Domino's Pizza may soon beat and underprice its competitors. "We view Domino's Pizza as a powerful growth story with an attractive business model that is capable of delivering healthy total shareholder returns on a near- and long-term basis," analyst David Tarantino wrote.

Earlier this month, Metro reported that Domino’s Australia had started selling cheesy chips and gravy. The new side features chunky cut chips with a rich gravy, melted mozzarella cheese and spring onion.