Taxi Driver Online

Crisis meeting to be held over spate of attacks on Leeds cab drivers

POLICE chiefs and politicians are to hold a crisis meeting over the violent attacks on cab drivers in east Leeds.

Following the spate of attacks on private hire drivers, which has seen seven people arrested, some areas of Leeds, including parts of Gipton, have become "no go areas" for drivers.

Gangs of yobs have been striking in the Seacroft and Gipton areas – in some instances surrounding vehicles, assaulting drivers and threatening them with knives – before stealing equipment and cash.

Gipton and Harehills councillor Javaid Akhtar has called for an urgent meeting to deal with the growing problem of violence against cabbies.
The meeting today will be attended by officials from West Yorkshire Police Authority and Leeds City Council.

Coun Akhtar said: "Following the attacks in both Gipton and Seacroft this weekend, the need for greater safety measures for both taxi drivers and the public is more pressing than ever.

"It seems that taxis are being deliberately targeted in East Leeds for desirable items such as mobile phones and satellite navigation systems. This problem does not only affect the driver of the cab, but any passenger who may be in the taxi when an attack takes place.

"We do not want to see parts of Leeds becoming no-go areas for taxis and private hire vehicles, and that goes for any other part of the city. That's why improved safety measures need to be put in place as soon as possible."

Mini cab drivers have been contacting the YEP in droves to tell of their experiences at the hands of yobs.

Private hire firm Roadrunners have banned drivers entering parts of Gipton. Operations manager Jody Hodgson said: "It is just not worth it with the current escalation of violence."

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

The answer is quite simple, blank the scum and blank the scum areas.

I know some of the good will suffer, but any driver going into those areas in the full knowledge of what's happening is a pillock of the highest order.

Better to go home with £20/30 less in the bin than not go home at all.

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IDFIMH

Police team to tackle attacks on taxi drivers

POLICE investigating a spate of attacks on taxi drivers in the Gipton area of Leeds said last night that a team of detectives had been set up to tackle the problem.

Six attacks were carried out by gangs last Friday, with private hire drivers reporting a number of incidents from robbery to assault.

In one incident at 6.40pm about 10 men damaged a taxi, stole its satellite navigation system and assaulted the driver in Amberton Street. He suffered a cut above an eye.

Twenty minutes later at 7pm a satellite navigation system was stolen from a taxi in Gipton Approach

Det Chief Insp John Gilbody has set up the inquiry team to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.

He said: "There has been a significant increase in one particular area which affected private hire car drivers.

"This caused great concern among drivers as many feared for their safety. However, our investigations suggest that it is not the drivers themselves who are being targeted in these incidents. We believe that those responsible are actually targeting the equipment which these drivers and many others carry."

Several people have already been arrested.

Det Chief Insp Gilbody added: "We are doing everything possible to ensure that we nip this episode in the bud but we need the support of the public. I am urging drivers to remain vigilant and where possible lock the doors of your vehicle even if you are only on a short journey.

"Private hire vehicles are a valued resource in our community, providing links to the outside world for many who may otherwise not have that luxury.

"It's important that we look out for each other and take ownership of our area and it's problems.

"There will be many residents who rely on these drivers to get them to medical appointments. Just a few people intimidating these drivers could lead to the resource being withdrawn from the area."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call Stainbeck Police Station on 0113 241 3259.

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