June 27, 2007

Bogus taxi warning

BOGUS cabbies could be taking Redditch people for a ride after signs from two taxis were stolen in the last two weeks.

The first happened at about 10pm on Saturday, June 16 when a sign was stolen from a taxi in Pine Tree Close, while a second sign was taken from a taxi parked off Parsons Road between 10.30pm on Friday, June 22 and 1am the next day.

There is concern these signs may be used illegally and police are warning taxi users to be extra vigilant.

Working with the taxi licensing department at Redditch Council, police have issued the following safety advice:

Wherever possible, use a regular, trustworthy taxi driver or firm.

Women travelling alone should consider requesting a female driver

People should pre-book their taxi home.

People shouldn't flag a taxi down or accept a ride from a driver anywhere other than a legitimate taxi rank.

If anyone is in doubt they, should ask to see the driver's taxi licence.

Redditch taxis can be identified not only by the sign on their roof, but also by the signs in the passenger side of the windscreen and by a rectangular plate close to the rear number plate.

On a hackney carriage taxi, this plate will be red with a green council logo and additional details including the registration number of the licensed vehicle, expiry date and the number of passengers it's licensed to carry. The same information can be found on the square sticker, also red in colour, on the windscreen. Private hire vehicles carry the same licence plates, which are green.

Anyone with information relating to the theft of taxi signs can call police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

http://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/ranewslatest/display.var.1498416.0.bogus_taxi_warning.php

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