Personal attack alarms have been issued in the borough of Dudley, West Midlands after unsuspecting taxi drivers were threatened and robbed while operating in Halesowen and Cradley.
One 54-year-old private hire cabbie was targeted in the early hours by three male passengers, who took his taxi sales earnings and mobile phone. The attack took place on Teme Road and the men disappeared down a back street.
The move to issue alarms to cabbies was instigated by Dudley Taxi Watch Forum, a scheme set up jointly by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and West Midlands Police, in consultation with the local taxi trade.
Dudley Taxi Watch acquired local authority funding in order for the alarms to be issued to all drivers in the borough.
Shaz Saleem, chairman of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association and Dudley Taxi Watch member commented: “The work undertaken by taxi drivers can be very difficult and at times they can be vulnerable.
“We’re very pleased to have ongoing support from the police and council in launching Taxi Watch, which I’m sure will improve the safety of drivers across Dudley borough.”