Leeds knife raid terror for taxi driver
Source:
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... 5924301.jp
Two masked robbers armed with a knife are being hunted after another robbery on a taxi driver in north Leeds.
Two masked robbers armed with a knife are being hunted after another robbery on a taxi driver in north Leeds.
Now a senior detective has issued advice to cabbies and reassurance to the public as Christmas approaches.
In the latest incident a private hire taxi driver was sent to collect a fare at an address in Hamilton Gardens, Chapeltown, at about 5.15pm on Wednesday.
Two men got into the rear of the silver Vauxhall Astra and pulled the driver backwards between the seats. He was ordered to hand over cash as a knife was held to his throat.
The men grabbed £60 cash then jumped out and made off on foot.
The driver suffered a slight cut to one hand, red markings to his neck caused by the knife and was left badly shaken.
The robbers were described as African Caribbean men of stocky build and wore dark clothing with hoods pulled up over their faces.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw two men answering the descriptions or has any useful information about who may be responsible is urged to contact North East Leeds CID, via 0845 606060.
The robbery is the latest of a series on private hire drivers.
Earlier this week the Yorkshire Evening Post reported the case of Mr Andrew Newdall, owner of private hire firm Premier Cars, who was robbed by two masked men who threatened him with a handgun after he had left his office in Moortown, Leeds, at about 7.45pm a week last Friday.
He was forced to hand over a bag containing cash.
Mr Newdall has subsequently offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
Det Chief Insp Martin Snowden of North East Leeds, said: "Fortunately in this case the taxi driver was not seriously injured but has been left understandably shaken by the experience.
"As we move towards Christmas the number of people using taxis will increase significantly and it's timely to remind drivers of simple steps they can take to increase their own security.
"Please ensure your doors remain locked until you are confident that someone about to get into your vehicle is a potential customer.
"If you're not sure about someone, don't take them. If you pick someone up and you sense there may be a problem, drive to a public place and call the police," said DCI Snowden.
"We have recently secured significant convictions against those responsible for these types of assaults and robberies and will rigorously pursue anyone suspected of being involved in this type of crime."
* Last month Thomas Tyson, 22, of Chapeltown, was jailed for six years for his part in two knife-point robberies on taxi drivers including one in which a victim suffered stab wounds.
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