Taxi Driver Online

Thieves nab cab aerials at night

Taxi drivers have become the latest victims of metal thieves after a spate of aerials were stolen in Preston.

Since the end of January at least eight cabs in Deepdale and Fulwood have had their antennas taken overnight.

Six of the thefts happened in the Canary Islands district off Deepdale Road on January 21.

Another two were taken from Lorraine Avenue and Queens Road overnight last Sunday.

The aerials are inexpensive, but are essential for drivers to operate effectively.

Now police have written to Preston's taxi and private hire companies to warn drivers and ask them to remove their aerials when they park up at night.

Det Insp Keith Lee, who is investigating the thefts, said: "We don't know if it's a prank or someone who's collecting magnetic aerials.

"We've sent letters to all the firms asking them to pass on the information to their drivers.

"We wonder why anyone would want to steal the aerials."

Taxi driver Paul Gunson added: "It can be quite costly to replace them, and you don't want it happening to your cab."

Police are appealing for anyone who knows who is carrying out the thefts to come forward.

Anyone with information can call Preston CID on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

source: http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Thieves-nab-c ... 6068913.jp

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I remeber a good few years back a spate of rooflight thefts they all reappeared on taxis in a neighbouring town with the numbers/lettering scratched off and replaced maybe its a taxi firm in Blackburn struggling to afford aerials