Taxi drivers in Devon are being offered the chance to attend a free safety training course that will help them to safeguard their communities.
South Hams District Council is offering all taxi drivers in the area a chance to attend the course which will tackle issues relating to vulnerable children and adults. The workshop will provide drivers with information on how to spot problems, such as child exploitation and vulnerability and how to report their concerns.
Safeguarding
The campaign to encourage licensed taxi drivers to help safeguard communities was commissioned by the council following a recent review. Drivers are the eyes and ears of each community and will often see and hear things during hires. This knowledge could help to protect vulnerable people in the area.
“Training of this type improves awareness”
Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector Andrew Tomlinson said: “We are pleased that South Hams District Council is providing this training for taxi drivers.
“Training of this type improves that awareness, particularly in a group of people who may see suspicious activity and are in a position to raise their concerns in the right way.
“Safeguarding is a force priority and we welcome this opportunity to work with partners in detecting and preventing this type of crime.”
Positive Response
Taxi drivers in the area have praised the council and believe that the course will raise awareness in the industry.
“This initiative will be of great benefit”
Nick Parker of Ivy Cabs said: “I am sure that this initiative will be of great benefit as I suspect that along with the majority of people I have never previously considered that exploitation of this type was occurring locally and ignorance plays into the hands of those who commit these abominable crimes against vulnerable individuals.
“The mere fact that my awareness has been raised will ensure that I am more watchful in the future and the workshop will provide me with the skills to recognise the signs.”
The next course is running on 2nd February 2016. To reserve a place call 01803 861336 or email Louisa.Daley@swdevon.gov.uk.