A COURIER robbed while delivering parcels for Amazon was told the cost of the van repairs and stolen packages would be taken out of his wages.
Dad-of-one Martyn Gilham was accosted by a man dressed all in black while delivering a parcel for the online giant in Coventry on December 28.
The thief forced the 28-year-old to the floor and snatched the keys before jumping in the van and driving off with 62 parcels.
The van was later recovered by police who have held the vehicle while they carry out forensic checks.
A week after the robbery, Martyn received a text from his boss at Fast Despatch Transport Ltd in Leicester, an agency which provides Amazon with couriers.
He was told the agency was letting him go and the cost of the stolen van and packages would be deducted from his wages.
The boss wrote to Martyn: “Still waiting for police to release the van. About work, we will not use your service anymore.
“About your earning, we have to wait to see what will be the bill for the van and for the parcels inside and you receive the rest.”
Martyn, who lives in Northamptonshire, said: “It has left me in total shock. I feel like I was blamed for something that wasn’t my fault at all.
“I’m a victim of crime and yet I’m the one who’s getting blamed.”
Martyn was delivering a parcel to a home on Recreation Road at around noon when he was robbed.
He said: “Someone came from behind and shoved me to the floor. I obviously froze and dropped my van key.
“I didn’t know whether he was armed or what he might do to me.”
Martyn luckily had his phone in his pocket and immediately called the police, who later recovered the van before carrying out forensic tests.
Martyn said: “That job was my main income. I have bills piling up.
“I should imagine a company like Amazon would have insurance for their parcels so I don’t understand why my wages have to cover them.”
But much to Martyn’s relief Fast Despatch Transport has since done a u-turn
A spokesman for the firm said: “The safety of the contracted drivers we work with is our key priority and we are investigating this matter with the police.
“When drivers leave Fast Despatch Transport they are paid all money owed to them after a short time period which allows us to calculate outstanding amounts due, such as repair of any damage to the vehicle caused by the driver while delivering parcels.
“This is clearly explained to the drivers when they start working with us. The driver will not be charged the cost of stolen parcels.”
