'Robin Hood' poacher takes the pizza with Online orders

Online, October 8, 2010 (Newswire.com) - A Robin Hood 'pizza poacher' who has stolen over £1,000 worth of meals through internet fraud is being hunted by police.

Buying takeaway meals over the web is hugely popular, and leading online provider Meal2Go has now signed up more than 2,000 restaurants whose business is booming.

But a diner in Nottingham, home of Robin Hood, has been 'taking the pizza' by dodging his bill of £100 for a party's worth of food.

He has dragged the 'take from the rich to give to the poor' legend down: he orders meals to be delivered to vacant flats in poorer areas of the city, then flees with the food, leaving police with the headache of finding out who is meddling with the money.

Ali Taranssari, deputy managing director of Birmingham-based Meal2Go, said: "The first incident was reported on 26th August to Nottingham police, and officers from West Midlands police came to our office next day and took the report.

"Police await their results of their investigation. Meanwhile we have increased our security measures."

Meal2Go's service is among market leaders, used by thousands of restaurants. The number of diners using Meal2Go has leapt by 27 per cent this year.

Diners using the website of Meal2Go, based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, find local restaurants and menus for tailor-made meals round the corner. It suits those eating at home.

Meal2Go MD Marcus Rezaei added: "People order everything these days online for better value. For rapid delivery, they prefer it to 'phoning, for correct orders every time. They also collect reward points, for discount on their next meal."

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire police said: "This matter is under investigation and we would urge anyone with information to contact us, in confidence, on 0300 300 99 99. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Meal2Go, www.meal2go.com provides a national database to allow local food outlets and takeaway restaurants to take on competition from big chains, supporting more than 2,190 restaurants and takeaways.

For more information please visit www.mealtogo.com