Taxi Driver Online

Lurid opening paragraphs here, and a blizzard of stats.

But not much concrete information on how the small number of prosecuted cases were disposed of - most never got to the stage of charging.

So who knows - despite all the stats at the beginning, there's nothing concrete in this article to say any convictions ever resulted.

And plenty of police PR-style stuff at the end.


Sex offences allegedly involving taxi drivers in Dorset

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/26182 ... rs-dorset/

SHOCKING new data has revealed that children under the age of 16 have reported rapes by taxi or private hire drivers.

A Freedom of Information request to Dorset Police has revealed there were four reported rapes of girls under the age of 16 over the past five years where a taxi or private hire driver was identified as the suspect.

In total, 35 reports of sexual offences were reported from 2022 to 2025. This included one report of a girl under the age of 13 being raped and three other girls under 16.

There were 14 reported rapes recorded, as well as two attempted rapes involving females over the age of 16.

There were also two reports of sexual assault by penetration involving girls aged 13 plus 12 sexual assaults on women.

Only five of the 35 reported cases resulted in a suspect being charged.

The data covers incidents in the whole of Dorset.

Dorset Council - which licenses taxi and private hire drivers for the Dorset area (not including BCP) - said it "recognises the seriousness of these figures" and the impact they may have on public confidence.

The council said that all drivers are subject to enhanced background checks, including DBS checks against barred lists, with ongoing monitoring in place.

A spokesperson said: "We have clear expectations on driver behaviour and safeguarding, including mandatory training - including child sexual exploitation awareness- to help drivers identify and report concerns, particularly involving children and vulnerable adults."

The council said it takes a "zero-tolerance" approach to conduct that puts passengers at risk and where serious concerns or allegations are raised, they can suspend or revoke licenses immediately.

Operators are also required to report serious complaints to the council, which also maintains records and monitor patterns of behaviour to ensure action is taken where standards are not met.

The council added its focus is on "maintaining high standards across the sector" so that residents can feel confident when using licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

With just five cases resulting in charges, most investigations were dropped.

The main outcome was attributed to 'evidential difficulties' despite a suspect being named and the victim's support. There were 14 recorded outcomes of this type.

There were also 10 recorded outcomes where the victim declines or withdraws support despite a suspect being identified.

Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, of Dorset Police, said the force remains “steadfastly committed” to tackling sexual offences and protecting communities, and moved to reassure victims that reports are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

He said they are working to create an environment where victims feel confident to come forward, knowing they will be treated with respect and dignity. He added that Dorset Police works closely with the council on safeguarding, alongside a range of other agencies to support victims and manage investigations effectively.

However, Mr Wright suggested that in some cases other forms of punishment may be used over a criminal conviction, although he said in many cases this was still the "most appropriate path"

In some cases, out of court disposals and initiatives such as restorative justice are used which he said allows them to work with partners to address offending behaviour and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

He added: "We will always seek the victims needs and wishes prior to making a decision on the most appropriate outcome.

"Victims are at the heart of everything we do as being a victim of crime will be one of the most significant things in an individual’s life on many occasions.”

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence or other sexualised behaviour can report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If you or anyone else is in danger, always call 999 immediately.

For those who do not feel able to report matters to police, help can be sought through the following channels:

• The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 0800 970 9954

• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 500 2222

• Sexual Trauma And Recovery Service - www.starsdorset.org 0808 500 2222