A TAXI driver was robbed at knife point after he was lured to pick-up a false fare.
The driver pulled into Longworth Street in Tonge Fold, at 9.20pm on Tuesday to collect a passenger who he thought he was taking to Asda.
But as he pulled up two youths jumped into the car.
One got into the back of his Toyota Avenis and held him a headlock while other, who sat in the passenger seat, pulled a knife on the driver, forcing him to hand over his takings.
The two youths fled with around £70.
The 40-year-old driver called the police and also Charlie Oaks, the chairman of the Bolton Hackney Drivers Association Ltd, of which he is a member.
Mr Oaks said: “ The driver was very shook-up and very nervous.” And he warned cabs could refuse to serve that area of Bolton.
Mr Oaks said: “A few years ago, drivers would not go into Breightmet after stones were thrown at their vehicles. Many drivers are nervous at working at night. Incidents like this cannot continue.”
Mr Oaks said that attacks against taxi drivers are becoming more “blatant”, happening during the day and early evening.
He is calling for a system similar to the door scheme operated in pubs where pictures of offenders or troublemakers are distributed so they are banned from getting in.
Mr Oaks said: “Many drivers do not report attacks. But I want the public to know what is happening. If this continues it could lead to a lack of service for them.”
He added: “I advise members never to carry large amounts of money when working.”
Police are now appealing for witnesses.
A police spokesman said the offenders were white, in their late teens and of a slim build.
Anyone with information should ring 0161 872 5050.
source
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/dis ... nifepoint/
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FAQ
CCTV in the vehicles may not prevent all attacks but it would certainly make it easier to capture the culprits. Keeping cash away from sight is a good policy too. I've only ever got £20 in my clip the rest is stashed. I only ever tell punters I've just come out if they ask how trades been that night. There are no sure fire guarantees but there is advice on the Dft's website for driver safety, perhaps Charles would be kind enough to print it off and pass it to his members