Police and taxi drivers in Sheffield work together to tackle crimeSouth Yorkshire Police are working alongside taxi firms and their drivers in the fight against crime in Sheffield. Operation Karri was launched in March this year, with the main aim to reduce the market for stolen goods, giving focus on criminals that might cause nuisance by approaching taxi drivers to try to sell stolen goods to them.
The operation includes an awareness campaign for drivers, supported by marketing materials and an electronic survey that gives drivers the opportunity to voice their concerns and experiences. Chief Inspector Iain Chorlton from South Yorkshire Police said:” The initiative was launched with full consultation with taxi firms and associations. The cooperation so far from taxi drivers has been fantastic.
“Taxi drivers provide a tremendous service to the public, and they don't need people offering them stolen goods, or using them to inadvertently transport stolen goods. Taxi drivers can possess some valuable information, about criminality, and we want to encourage them to pass on anything they consider to be suspicious or criminal”
As part of the initiative an electronic survey has been produced for taxi drivers, with the help of Acting Sergeant Simon Kirkham, who co- leads the project. It’s quick and easy to use and does not require any personal details. The survey has so far proved popular.
Hafeas Rehman Chair of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, said: "The Sheffield Taxi Trade Association strongly supports this initiative. It is important that criminals do not see the taxi service as a transport network to conduct their criminal activities."
Anyone who has information about stolen goods should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
http://southyorks.police.uk/node/2521
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