Five ways to stay safe in taxis and minicabs
Licensed taxis and minicabs are a safe and flexible way of getting home after a night out. However, every month in London ten women are sexually assaulted in unlicensed taxis. Find out how to stay safe:
- Use only taxis (with the illuminated taxi sign) or licensed minicabs. Look for the green triangle license in the front and back windows of minicabs.
- Cars cruising the streets are illegal and uninsured. Book a taxi or minicab in advance using a trusted, licensed company. Always ask for the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car, and confirm the driver’s details when they arrive to check that this is the taxi you ordered.
- When ordering a cab, do not let anyone overhear your name and address.
- Share a minicab or taxi with friends where possible and arrange a buddy system by calling when you get home to inform your friends that you are home safe.
- If you feel threatened at any time, trust your instincts. Ask the driver to stop in a busy area and get out of the car. If the driver refuses to stop – call the police on your mobile and alert other drivers and pedestrians by waving or calling out of the car.
Man arrested over sex attack in Berkshire minicab
A man has been arrested after a teenager was sexually assaulted in a minicab in Berkshire.
The 18-year-old victim got into the private hire car between midnight and 0100 GMT at Twyford railway station on Sunday morning.
The vehicle was driven to School Lane in Wargrave where the woman was attacked by the driver.
A 28-year-old man, from west Reading, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and released on bail.
Police are trying to trace a woman who the victim briefly spoke to after she got out of the car in School Lane.
Illegal minicab driver jailed for raping London passenger
An illegal London minicab driver has been jailed for a period of 8 years. He raped a London student he touted for his minicab service.
Mr Astor Murray, who was 49 was arrested by police in London for touting. As a procedure, his DNA was taken which then matched the forensic evidence of the crime.
At the Old Bailey, Mr Murray of Edmonton, North London was convicted of rape and indecent assault.
At a bust stop, the then 22 year old woman was offered a £10 minicab ride home. She accepted the ride and on the way, Mr Murray pulled into an industrial estate in Shoreditch and then assauted her.
