Taxi Driver Online

Sixteen taxi sex attacks in four years across Shropshire and Mid Wales

Sixteen cases of sexual assaults in taxis have been recorded throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales in the last four years, new figures show.

In Shropshire seven sexual offences took place in taxis and were reported to West Mercia Police since 2011, including one in the current financial year.

Data released under the the Freedom of Information Act shows 33 complaints were made since 2011 across the West Mercia force area as a whole – Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire and Herefordshire – and in 30 of these cases the complaint was alleged against the driver of the cab.

In the same period, nine sexual offences in taxis were reported to Dyfed-Powys Police, including three so far in the current financial year.

Figures from the Welsh force also revealed that between 2009 and 2013, there were nine taxi drivers arrested for sexual assault, with two subsequently charged.

Detective Inspector Neil Jenkins, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “These figures are low and indicate that this kind of incident is rare in Dyfed Powys. However, it is still important for people to consider their personal safety and to follow advice on how to enjoy a safe night out and taking a taxi to minimise the opportunity for any assault or other crime to occur.”

Superintendent James Tozer, from West Mercia Police, added: “Anyone getting into a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle should be assured that the only person allowed to drive the car has had their background checked.

“We work closely with the local authority public protection departments and council licensing committees in Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire area to ensure that we share information before and during licence holding and ensure that those who hold a taxi licence are ‘fit and proper’ as defined by law.”

Telford & Wrekin Council spokeswoman Emily Knightley said: “The licensing service has not received any such complaints during the last year regarding drivers licensed by Telford & Wrekin Council. We would always recommend that anyone getting a taxi makes sure that they use licensed taxi firms and have enough money to pay for the journey.”

A Shropshire Council spokesman added: “The council’s priority when licensing taxi and private hire drivers is to ensure public safety.

“The council must be satisfied that any person who drives such a vehicle or who is a private hire operator is a fit and proper person before a licence is granted. To this end, robust checks are undertaken by the local authority, in conjunction with West Mercia Police.

“Shropshire Council requires operators to take reasonable, appropriate and robust steps themselves to reduce to a minimum the risk of employing or contracting with any driver who is unlikely to satisfy the council’s ‘fit and proper person’ criteria.”

source: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2014 ... mid-wales/

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See no information was published in respect of convictions.

Perhaps that wouldn't enhance the article.

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