Taxi Driver Online

Robbers target 'easy prey' taxi drivers

A pair of knife wielding taxi driver robbers have been branded "cowards" by a body which represents more than 500 of Hull's cabbies.

Ian Lamping, from the new Hull Private Hire Operators' Association, said the attackers, who struck twice in three days, are looking for easy prey. "These are premeditated attacks on taxi drivers who are more vulnerable than others. "The people doing this are cowards.

"The two men are looking for easy prey and I am certain will be booking several cars a night and only when they see someone they think they can take on do they take the ride. "Cabbies across the city are concerned but we have to get on with things, people need our services."

Detectives have contacted every taxi firm in the city and urged them to be extra vigilant. The two incidents, which officers are linking, took place on Boxing Day and on December 28.

On Boxing Day, Sue Davey, 47, picked up a fare booked under the name "Eric" from Chanterlands Avenue, in west Hull, shortly before 10pm. Two men asked to be taken to Woburn Street. On pulling up, one man who was sat in the back grabbed her around the neck and the other, in the front passenger seat, pulled a knife, lent across and turned the ignition off.

She was told: "Do as you are told, you won't get hurt, just comply." Ms Davey, who works for Hull Cars, managed to press a panic button in her cab and slip her mobile phone in her pocket, before the man in the back got out, opened her door, took £75 in cash and threw her from the car, before speeding off and eventually dumping her car.

The second robbery took place shortly after 10.30pm on Monday, December 28. A 49-year-old taxi driver picked up two men outside the Banks Harbour Public House ,on Beverley Road, in his Mitsubishi taxi.

Again, one man got in the front passenger seat and the other sat behind the driver, who was then directed to Woburn Street. Upon stopping he was threatened and had cash stolen.

The passenger in the back seat got out the car and tried to force the driver from his vehicle, but the brave cabbie refused and started reversing down the street. His other attacker jumped out the moving vehicle, stealing a satellite navigation system as he did.

Mr Lamping also urged drivers to intermittently drop large sums of cash either back at their home address or the taxi rank. He said: "Periodically, the drivers should drop money off so they only have the bare minimum and then there will be no money to steal."

Anyone with information about the attacks has been urged to contact detectives on 08450 6060222.

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