Taxis targeted in overnight car break-in spree
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/li ... k-16037530
Drivers put out of action for the day after windows smashed on around five vehicles.
Image: Liverpool Echo/Runcorn Weekly News
Cabbies woke up shocked this morning to find the windows of at an estimated five taxis had been smashed overnight during a suspected theft spree in Runcorn.
Apec Taxis said four of its vehicles had been targeted plus an independent vehicle in Halton Brook, Halton Lodge and around the Town Hall estate including Stenhills Crescent.
Michael Holland, the firm’s secretary, said the incidents would take five taxis out of action for up to two days for cleaning and repairs meaning a loss of income.
Taxi-driving couple Mel and Julie Snelson also had their wheelchair-access black cab targeted, with the culprit making off with two coats but leaving a satnav and dashcam behind.
Their son Dan Snelson captured CCTV of a hooded suspect trying to open the door of a vehicle.
They said a disabled-access taxi was among those targeted overnight.
Police are now investigating and said they received three reports of thefts from vehicles.
Mr Holland said: "The drivers have gone out to go to work to find their windows smashed, all round Halton Brook and Town Hall estate.
"One of our drivers has CCTV footage and he’s come back and looked at it.
"You can actually see a youngish-type gentleman doing it.
Image: Liverpool Echo/UGC
"All four of the cabs are out of action until they can get the glass cleaned out and the replacement windows.
"Some could be off for a day or off for a couple of days.
"Some are London-type taxis and they’re quite rare now, so we’d have to go to a specialist."
A Cheshire police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating reports of three thefts from motor vehicles in Runcorn.
"All of the incidents involved taxis and are believed to have occurred between 4pm, Tuesday, March 26, and 8am on Wednesday, March 27.
"Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 357911."
Alternatively information can be provided online or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image: Liverpool Echo/Runcorn Weekly News
