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STOCKTON-

The sign on the wall of Eric’s New York Style Pizza in Stockton says it all, ‘No Apartments South of Harding.’

Crime in Stockton has gotten so out of control, even the pizza delivery driver is a target.

“With cell phones, it’s opened the door…they’re sitting in the bushes, waiting for the delivery guy,” owner Eric Hokenson told FOX40.

Hokenson’s drivers have been robbed three times in the past two years, with increasing levels of violence.

“Last time, they had him in a choke-hold with a gun to his head,” he said.

For now, Hokenson says if his drivers don’t feel safe, they’ll bring the delivery back, “Our policy is if he doesn’t feel safe, don’t go.”

There are places Hokenson says even in a tough economy aren’t worth the risk for the cash.

‘There’s 15 or 20 apartment complexes in our delivery area and there’s three or four we don’t go to,” the owner told FOX40.

Hokenson says it’s a matter of keeping his guys safe.

“What are you gonna do? Are you gonna take that chance of having one of your employees get robbed? You gotta make the call.”