A MAJOR crackdown on rogue cabbies has been launched in Middlesbrough.

The operation involving police, the council’s licensing staff and vehicle inspectorate body VOSA, stop-checked 15 taxis.

The blitz on Friday exposed a string of offences - from an unlicensed taxi to the recovery of illegal knives.

Two cars were taken off the road immediately and six drivers were ordered to have defects fixed. One taxi’s licence had expired.
 

Police made an arrest for two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. A lock knife and another knife were recovered.

Neighbourhood policing officer PC Elaine Clerk said: "Friday’s operation sends out the message that we will take action against those who do not adhere to taxi licensing legislation."

The operation was launched after the Hackney Carriage Association highlighted problems with unlicensed cabs.

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