Taxi driver slams police for failing to investigate cab break-in - even though he has thieves' number platehttps://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... r-18724930 (inc video of break-in)
A taxi driver says he feels 'scared' after police refused to pursue an investigation when his cab was broken into - despite CCTV footage which clearly shows the thieves and their number plate.
Asghar Butt says the theft, which took place outside his home on July 26 as he, his wife and two daughters slept in their Longsight bungalow, has left his whole family feeling vulnerable.
The theft - which Asghar says is the latest in a series of anti-social acts to befall him - saw two mobile phones stolen along with £140 cash, half of which was in a charity box.
His sat nav from the Toyota Prius which was parked in the driveway was also taken.
But after reporting the crime and twice speaking to his local police station, Asghar received a message informing him there would be no investigation due to their 'COVID crime screening policy' as it 'does not involve threat, risk, harm or vulnerability or likely public interest factors'.
The message, seen by the Manchester Evening News , recommends he ring the Victim Support Service instead.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that they are no longer investigating, due to 'fewer officers, increased complexity of demand and potential further cuts', but stressed they were committed to reducing the impact of this by transforming the way they work.
However, Asghar says he and fellow cabbies have noticed an upsurge in incidents - including their cars being egged, windows broken and runaway fare-dodgers - since the Covid crisis.
He believes this is related to a lack of police action during the crisis, which has left the force under-staffed during a time of unprecedented demand.
Asghar, a dad-of-two daughters, told the Manchester Evening News : "It's not right - I'm scared they can come again and they could even come in my house.
"I have CCTV which shows the time, the people and the car registration they arrived in.
"I told them everything and then I get this message saying they won't investigate.
"It's not right. I feel insecure and helpless in this city."
Asghar, who said his wife Faiza and their children were scared when they realised what had happened outside their home, claims it's the latest in a series of incidents amid a marked upsurge in attacks since the start of the crisis.
He added: "I feel helpless, nobody is listening. Things keep happening - once passengers smashed my windscreen, teenagers are throwing eggs and stones on our cars, people are running away. without paying. It's happening every day but the police are not doing anything."
"I'm helpless, nobody is listening. Even once they smashed my windscreen.
"They don't do anything - if they are not investigating these people they will do these things again and again."
Greater Manchester Police said they had looked at the CCTV but due to the low value of the items taken and the fact no damage was caused combined with demand on resources, they are no longer investigating.
A spokesman said: "With thousands of fewer officers across Greater Manchester, increased complexity of demand and potential further cuts on the horizon, we have had to make changes to the way we work to meet the public’s need.
"We are absolutely committed to reducing the impact of this reduction in police resources on the people of Greater Manchester and have transformed the way that we work to ensure we are providing the best possible service.
"When reports are made to police we make an assessment on how best to respond based on the threat, risk and harm posed to the public.
"The report is then assessed and depending on its severity, officers could be deployed immediately, later the same day or the call may be able to be resolved over the phone without having to send someone out.
"Inevitably, we have to make difficult decisions when prioritising calls to provide the right service to those who need it most.
"We have issued smartphones and tablets to frontline staff to enable them to spend more time out in the community, while we are transforming the way we work with a new operational policing system.
"We also focus on prevention, working with partners and communities to problem solve the factors that contribute to recurring crime ‘hotspots’.
"We will continue to do everything we can, alongside our partners and communities, to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe and provide the best service we can to those who need us most."
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