Vandals hit Cambridge taxi firm 20 timesA string of attacks on cabs in Cambridge could be an organised attempt to damage Camcab, says its founder.
Windows of cars licensed to Camcab have been smashed 20 times in the last three weeks in what managing director Rowhi Nemer believes is a campaign against his business.
The cars, which have the company logo on them, have been vandalised across the city, outside drivers’ homes in areas including Abbey, Arbury, Coleridge and East Chesterton.
In one 10-day period, there was at least one incident every night.
Mr Nemer, who lives in Cherry Hinton and founded the firm about seven years ago, was reluctant to point the blame, but thought the firm’s success was behind it.
His company carries out 300,000 jobs a year.
The 53-year-old said: “They are going to drivers’ homes and smashing their car windows. One of our drivers has had it happen to them twice.
“We do not know why this is happening, but we think it might be because we are doing well. It doesn’t seem to be happening to anyone else.
“This isn’t drunks and it’s not aggrieved customers because we treat them well. We think it might be organised.
“It’s damaging to the drivers and it’s damaging our business.”
As well as his company car, Mr Nemer’s personal car has been vandalised.
A police spokesman said they were linking the attacks, but would not comment further on a possible motive.
He said: “An investigation has been launched to find those responsible for this vandalism.
“An officer has spoken to the victim and we are looking at ways of preventing further offences, including extra patrols.
“We take criminal damage very seriously and urge anyone with information to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
John Knight, a self-employed taxi driver based in Cherry Hinton, said customers could turn nasty after disputes – but he had not seen attacks like this before.
He said: “Each time this happens it can stop you working for two or three days, which is no good for business.”
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