TAXI drivers are joining forces with police to catch a rogue cabbie who emptied the pockets of an elderly passenger - while he was having an epileptic fit.

Instead of offering help, the driver stole the 73-year-old's money and rifled his pockets and stole a cash card, leaving the elderly man, say police, alone and vulnerable.

PC Jeff Lillystone of Cleveland Police said: "Stealing from anyone is dishonest, to steal from an old man is despicable, but to steal from an old man in his own home, whilst suffering an epileptic fit is just unbelievable, I cannot think of a word to describe such as an act.

"I am confident that someone, especially the taxi driving community will come forward and assist the police with the identity of the person responsible"

The cabbie-turned-thief was driving one of Middlesbrough's 340 black and yellow taxis when he picked up his victim near the Shipmate public house, at the top of Union Street, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday night.

As the taxi driver drove the man to his home address on the town's Crescent Road, his passenger was told he did not have enough money for the fare.

The elderly man went into his home to find more money and was followed indoors by the taxi driver.

As the man went into a drawer to retrieve the money, he suffered an epileptic fit.

A spokeswoman for the charity Epilepsy Action said: "It is obviously very wrong to take advantage of any disability, to commit a crime." Joe Durkin, a former chairman of the Middlesbrough Hackney Carriage Association, said: "It is totally disgusting. If it is an owner driver he should have his plates taken off. He is not a fit and proper person to meet the public." John Moon, co-owner of Boro Cars in Middlesbrough, said the taxi fraternity will do what they can to identify the thief - and report him.

He said: "It's absolutely disgraceful. On the whole it needs just one bad apple to tar everyone. No genuine taxi driver will condone this and will not be happy at all." The taxi driver has been described as a white male, approximately 45 to 50 years old and 'well made'.

Police are appealing for witnesses. If anyone should have any information in connection with the identity of the taxi driver, please call Middlesbrough Police on 01642 303126. All information will be treated as strictly confidential.

Or people can contact Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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