Makes a change from lone females getting into fake taxis, I suppose
Man kidnapped on Broad Street in brutal fake taxi robbery
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/m ... l-14959151
Police are hunting four men suspected of withdrawing funds and using the stolen cards
A fake Birmingham taxi driver kidnapped a lone reveller, before forcing him to hand over his bank card and PIN
Police officers are appealing for information after the suspect drove up to the 29-year-old man on Broad Street.
He offered him a lift for £10 and the victim jumped in, believing it was a taxi.
But, instead of being taken home, he was plied with whiskey and cigarettes and bundled into a second car, where he was attacked by four men.
He was threatened and forced to hand over his phone, bank cards, PIN number and personal banking details.
After picking him up around 4am on Sunday, June 24, the men drove him around the city before kicking him out and leaving him to find his own way home with no cash, and no means of contacting family and friends.
As soon as he could, he reported the incident to police.
As a result of extensive enquires and a large scale CCTV operation, police are desperately searching for the suspects.
Officers have released images of four men they want to trace in connection with the incident.
Image: West Midlands Police
DC Andrew Reid, who is investigating the case said: "Although offences like this are extremely rare, there is always a risk when approaching taxis on the street or getting into a taxi that has approached you.
"Many people may not know this, but if a driver asks if you require a taxi they’re actually committing a criminal offence.
"The safest way to use a private hire taxi is to book directly with a reputable private hire operator via phone, app, online or in person.
"This guarantees you will be driven by a licensed, insured driver in a licensed, insured vehicle.
"You can also use a licensed hackney carriage which is licensed within the area you are in.
"If there are any problems there will be a record of your journey, your driver and the vehicle used which means they can be traced if needed."
Anyone who recognises these men are asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 ext. 845 6210. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Those with information about what happened are asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers quoting crime number 20BW/143729W/18.
