Justice minister Ivo Opstelten on Monday agreed a safety programme for pizza delivery workers after a spate of attacks, the Volkskrant reports.

The safety programme is a joint effort between the justice ministry, the big four take-away deliverers – Domino’s Pizza, New York Pizza, Spare Rib Express and Bezorgbeer – and safety organisation for entrepreneurs SVO.

There were 68, mainly armed, attacks on pizza delivery staff in 2012.

Opstelten has agreed that all outlets will be given two pin machines to help decrease the amount of cash couriers carry. The couriers will also be sent on courses where they will learn how to protect themselves if they are attacked.

There was no comment on how much the programme will cost, but the SVO said the costs will be fairly shared by the three participants, the Volkskrant says.