Taxi Driver Online

Basingstoke taxi firm owner reports 60 break-ins in past year

http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/new ... past-year/

THE owner of a taxi company is calling on thieves to stop targeting his drivers, citing 60 break-ins in the past year.

Immy Akram, owner of Alpha Cars, has said the livelihoods of his drivers are put at risk by the break-ins which are often for as little as £5 in loose change.

Mr Akram said: “It is a bit of a nightmare for the drivers when it happens, as it means they have to pay for the window to get repaired and that means they cannot work the next day. If they don’t work, they cannot earn. That is their livelihoods.

“As with any kind of crime, you also feel like your space has been invaded.

“It is just not fair on them.”

In the past month, Mr Akram said his drivers have been targeted in ten instances, in the Popley, Oakridge and Norn Hill areas, with the thieves usually checking the vehicle for any change left behind, rather than notes.

Mr Akram added: “Even taking a fiver in change makes it a success [for the thief]. If it is a 100 per cent success rate for them, they will keep on doing it.”

The taxi firm owner has made an appeal for people to be vigilant against thefts from cars, arguing the police need to be given evidence and witness statements to be able to find the criminals.

He added: “I’ve heard in Norn Hill another person had both their work van and personal car targeted so it goes to show it can happen to anyone and that’s why I’d want people to be vigilant.

“All of these [break-ins] have been reported to the police but I don’t feel they really have the resources to do anything about it. It is a difficult one for them.

“I’m hoping people will be able to report it if they see it happen. Hopefully someone might see something suspicious and then report it.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We have received a number of reports of thefts from motor vehicles in the Basingstoke area over the past 12 months, and we regularly carry out targeted patrols in affected areas.

“This type of crime is largely acquisitive.

“We advise motorists not to keep valuables in their car overnight, to lock their vehicles securely, and to not keep items on display.

“Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

No [edited by admin], Sherlock

THE owner of a taxi company is calling on thieves to stop targeting his drivers, citing 60 break-ins in the past year.

yeah that'll work

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Taxis Are Public Transport too

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Yes, police can't/won't do anything about it, so why not draw attention to the thing?

A bit like complaining in the press that runners are getting away scot-free, and police can't/won't do anything about it

You would have thought by the theft from number 2 or 3 drivers would have fathomed out that it would be best to keep nothing of value in the car.

So number 4 to number 60 need their heads banged together.

If the thieves don't get anything of value they will get bored and go nick something else, somewhere else.

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IDFIMH

Suspect there's very little if any money involved now.

He's trying to downplay the amounts stolen, but he'd have been better to say there's nothing left in the cars at all now.