Cabbies fear as taxis torched
TORCHED: The burnt-out Renault
GUTTED: The burn-out shell of the Volkswagen Jetta
DUMBARTON cabbies have told of their terror after FOUR of their vehicles were TORCHED by a fire-raising maniac.
TOA drivers in the town and on the Vale have been targeted by a crazed arsonist hell-bent on burning out their motors - and destroying their livelihoods.
Detectives have spent the weekend speaking to terrified drivers about beefing up their personal security after the spate of horror attacks.
One TOA driver told the Reporter the town's cabbies are living in fear.
He said: "We are worried. If someone does your motor it could catch to another car or worse even your house.
"There are three cars parked right next to each other where I park my taxi, so this is a nightmare.
"We don't know why this is happening. There's no logic to it. It's drivers from different backgrounds who are being targeted. There is no pattern to this. I know quite a lot of people and there is no rhyme or reason. It's not as though there are direct links between those affected.
"I only found out that four of our cars had been done at the weekend - after three were done on the same night."
Another driver revealed he is unable to sleep with worry over whether he will be hit next.
The driver, who asked not be named for fear that he also would be targeted, said: "We don't know who or where this guy will strike next. It's a real worry for guys who are working their taxis trying to make a living on the streets when this guy is out there."
Strathclyde Police have launched an inquiry into the deliberate arson attacks. Officers close to the inquiry have revealed the culprit uses the exact same methods to destroy the vehicles.Detectives have advised The Reporter not to reveal the maniac's modus operandi as they work hard to catch him. Officers working the night shift have been briefed to keep a close scrutiny of taxi ranks, TOA drivers and to stop and question suspicious characters.
There are widespread fears in the community the attacks could be gangland related with underworld thugs orchestrating a campaign of intimidation directed at the TOA.
Another theory being probed is that the violence is the work of a lone-wolf arsonist bearing a deliberate grudge against cabbies.
The incidents started last Tuesday at around 10.30pm when two taxis were deliberately torched at a car park outside Clyde Court, Westbrigend.
The charred-out shell of a £20,000 Volkswagen Jetta remained at the site until Thursday as scene of crime officers carried out a forensic examination.
While a burnt out £15,000 Toyota Avensis, which had been destroyed at the same time, had been removed from the scene.
Last Wednesday cops were called to a house outside Hawthornhill Road, Castlehill, at 3am Wednesday where a £16,000 Renault Master minivan had been attacked.
And on Thursday at around 2am a £15,000 Peugeot Experts taxi was deliberately set alight in Bankend Road in the town.
The Reporter has been told three of the four taxis are registered to the same firm, Dumbarton and Alexandria TOA.
Detectives have been speaking to drivers in the town, canvassing potential witnesses and carrying out extensive door-to-door inquiries.
Although officers are not linking the attacks on taxis to the spate of fire-raising incidents at Bonhill, where a number of people have been charged.
Police are also appealing for help in catching the madman before more property is destroyed or even worse, someone is seriously injured. Detective Constable Allan McConnell of Dumbarton Police is leading the inquiry and has confirmed police are linking the attacks.
Cops also want to trace a man seen running from the area on the night two taxis were torched at a car park.
He said: "At this time, police are linking the incidents due to their nature and extensive enquiries are ongoing.
"I am keen to trace a man who was seen running from the area of the flats in Clyde Court around the time of the fire.
"He is described as white, 20-25 years of age, 5ft 7ins in height with short dirty-blond hair.
"He was wearing a khaki jacket and jeans.
"He was last seen making his way along the canal tow path towards the Renton area.
"I would urge anyone with information that may assist the police investigation, or any witnesses to these incidents to contact Dumbarton Police Office on 01389 822000."
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