Taxi Driver Online

Norwich taxi worker caught in undercover sting

A Norwich taxi worker was caught in an undercover police operation using the cab offices where he worked as a base to receive stolen goods.

David Goodall, 57, who works for Beeline Taxis in Prince of Wales Road, was caught on four occasions receiving stolen items at the taxi offices after he was approached by an undercover officer, called Jim, who offered to supply him with stolen goods, Norwich Crown Court heard yesterday.

Malcolm Robins, prosecuting, said the undercover operation followed suspicious activity at the taxi offices after a number of people were seen entering the offices with carrier bags and then leaving empty handed.

Mr Robins said that on two occasions Goodall bought meat and sausages and on another two occasions sat-nav equipment. Goodall, of Ipswich Road, Long Stratton, who had previous convictions for handling stolen goods, admitted attempted handling and was jailed for three months.

Judge Paul Downes said it had been an “organised” operation, adding: “People knew to come to you at the taxi office with their stolen goods and though the value in total is not high, it almost had the appearance of a small business.” David Wilson for Goodall said that since his arrest the taxi office where he worked had now said it would eject anyone who offered any items for sale: “He remains employed by the business. He is a hard worker.”

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