Black cab drivers in Chelmsford, Essex, are asking local police chiefs to take action after a surge in vandalism in recent months.
Opportunists
A group of hackney taxi drivers met with local MP, Sir Simon Burns, last Friday to discuss what action can be taken to stop the vandals from continuing to thieve and vandalise their cabs.
The drivers have reported that 20 black cabs have been broken into over the past two months. With each break-in costs the driver up to £500 in loss of earnings and repair fees, something clearly has to be done.
“We can’t seem to leave our cabs for five minutes without something happening. We can’t even go to the toilet!”
Local cab driver, Jahirur Rahman, said: “The majority of the break-ins have happened in Baddow Road when we’re queuing on Friday and Saturday nights.
“These people are taking our money, sat navs and any other valuables they can get their hands on. But, on top this, these break-ins are meaning the drivers are off the road for at least a week.
“We’ve been going to the police but they aren’t taking any action. Most of the time they don’t even turn up, they just say these are minor crimes.
“It’s frustrating that the police won’t do anything. Each window costs about £150 to replace and when you’re off the road you can lose up to £500.”
The opportunists are jumping at every chance and taxi drivers are said to be scared to leave their cabs for any length of time.
Mr Rahman added: “We’re really stressed out about this. We can’t seem to leave our cabs for five minutes without something happening. We can’t even go to the toilet!
“We’re providing a public service and the public are suffering as well.”
Re-occurring Violence on Black Cabs
Chelmsford MP, Sir Simon Burns, said: “We’re concerned because these crimes have happened over a reasonable period of time.
“The drivers are also having problems with violence, verbal abuse and people running off without paying for fares.
“The drivers want more practical assistance from the police. When they park up in the city centre they often return to find their vehicles have been damaged.
“These aren’t just one-off crimes, there’s definitely a pattern.”
Finding a Solution
“I think we’d see a massive reduction in thefts if people knew they were being filmed.”
Former chairman of the Chelmsford Taxi Association, Ian Vernon, would like to see CCTV installed in black cabs to deter vandals and thinks it would significantly reduce the number of instances.
He said: “I think better policing is one solution to prevent these crimes from happening more often.
“I’d also like to see the city council help fund the installation of outward-facing cameras on cabs. I think we’d see a massive reduction in thefts if people knew they were being filmed.”
Chief Inspector of Essex Police, Alan Cook, added: “Simon Burns has been in contact regarding the issues that have been reported to him.
“I’m going to arrange a meeting with the drivers and Mr Burns so we can discuss those concerns.”
Fingers crossed more serious action is taken soon.