yesterday by the owner of a Chinese take-out restaurant.

One of Mr. Wesley Burgess' delivery men was attacked and robbed by a gang of Pembroke youths on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old employee of the Wok Restaurant was riding on St. John's Road on his way to make a delivery on Tulo Lane when he was stopped by three youths and punched in the face.

He was also beaten with a heavy object. But his cycle helmet prevented any serious injury, Police said.

It is believed the thieves made off with about $100 in cash which he had been carrying. The attack occurred around 10 p.m.

Mr. Burgess said it was the first time one of his employees had been attacked while making a delivery.

But in the past, pizza deliverers have been targeted.

"My number one concern is the safety of all my employees,'' he said.

"My other concern is what can be one done in terms of Police presence. The Police Force being understaffed does not help matters. They say they can't patrol troubled areas because they do not have enough men.'' If Police patrols were not stepped up, Mr. Burgess said, he would be forced to make a decision as to whether to continue delivering to what he considered to be trouble spots.

"I don't want to be forced into that position because we do not want to restrict delivery,'' he said.