Taxi Driver Online

Armed robbers attack taxi drivers

A Preston taxi driver has been robbed at knifepoint - less than 24 hours after a colleague from the same rank was allegedly shot at by robbers.
In the latest incident, the Millers City Taxis driver was robbed of his mobile phone and cash at knifepoint by two offenders who told him they had a gun.

Workers at the firm, based on Murray Street, have described the robberies - both on Millers City Taxis drivers - as "awful".

The cabbie, who lives in the city, reported he had been robbed at knifepoint by two men on St Paul's Square at 7.50pm on Thursday.

Detectives are continuing to investigate an attempted robbery on his colleague, from Nelson, at the junction of Highfield Avenue and Watling Street Road on Wednesday.

In that incident two youths demanded cash from the driver, who reacted by reversing his silver Volkwagen Passat at speed, colliding with two stationary vehicles.

He claims they shot at him twice.

Det Ch Insp Des Coop, of the force's major incident team, said: " We are not connecting the two incidents at this stage, although we will explore the similarities between the two.

"Although we cannot confirm that a firearm was used in either incident, claims have been made to that effect and as such we are treating the two offences incredibly seriously."

Taxi firms across the city said each robbery highlighted that a new council policy, which makes drivers get out of the cab to knock at a customer's door, could be dangerous for cabbies.

Gordon Riding, the firm's operations controller, said: "I don't know if the first driver will come back. It looks like in each case the robbers are ringing from phone boxes. We are fearful for our drivers, but what can we do?

"The new council policy could leave them open to abuse or worse."

Paul Entwistle, of New City Taxis, said: "These incidents prove the kind of danger drivers could be in, especially if they leave their vehicle.

"Drivers just can't afford to turn down a fare or not go to certain areas. They have families to feed and Christmas coming up."

Michael Rooney, manager of Ribbleton Taxis, said: "Two of our drivers have been attacked in the last few months. In this present climate we think it is a risk for drivers to be made to get out of their cabs instead of beeping their horn."

"The public has got to understand the risks - and perhaps watch out for the cab at the window.

"We wouldn't designate a no-go area because the problem could happen anywhere."

Anyone who has information about either incident should contact police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Attempted robbery on taxi driver in Preston


Police in Preston are investigating an attempted robbery of a taxi driver in Fulwood last night.

At 10:55pm a taxi driver reported to police that he had been the victim of an attempted robbery whilst at the junction of Highfield Avenue and Watling Street Road.

The youths demanded cash from the driver who has reacted by reversing his taxi at speed, a consequence of which he had collided with two stationary vehicles.

He was uninjured and no property was stolen.

The two would-be robber have been described as being approximately 16 years of age dressed in dark clothing.

The scene remains sealed off for forensic examination this morning.

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin