Police are investigating
People might need to work against their instincts to smash the car window if a child is locked inside as it could be claimed as criminal damage(Image: Getty)
Council leaders have slammed ‘completely unacceptable’ attacks on taxis in the city. Staffordshire Police have launched an investigation over incidents reported across areas including Hanley, Cobridge, and Tunstall.
Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council has confirmed it has been made aware of a ‘series of concerning incidents’ where licensed and private hire vehicles have been vandalised. Meanwhile images circulating on social media have shown side windows smashed, windscreens damaged, and wing mirrors broken.
StokeonTrentLive reported earlier how Tory councillors Faisal Hussain, Sadaqat Maqsoom, and Tabrase Din had called on the local authority’s licensing department to allow drivers to ditch the livery from vehicles. The local authority has responded and said staff are ‘reviewing what further measures’ can be rolled out to protect cabbies.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safer and resilient communities, said: “We have recently been alerted to a series of concerning incidents involving the deliberate damage of licensed taxi and private hire vehicles, including reports of vehicles being smashed. This is completely unacceptable. We are working closely with Staffordshire Police to identify and bring to justice those responsible. At the same time, our licensing team is actively reviewing what further measures can be put in place to help protect taxi and private hire drivers. We would ask members of the public to report any incidents to the police – on 999 for life threatening emergencies, serious injuries or if a crime is in progress.”
The letter from the councillors
“We are writing to raise serious concerns regarding a number of recent incidents involving licensed taxi and private hire vehicles being deliberately damaged, with reports of vehicles being smashed on a regular basis.
“These incidents are causing significant worry and distress among licensed drivers, many of whom rely on their vehicles for their livelihood and work long hours providing an essential service to the public. While we are encouraging all drivers to report incidents to the police and relevant authorities, we are also asking the licensing department to consider what additional measures can be introduced to help protect licensed drivers and support the trade during this time.
“Given your important role in overseeing and supporting the licensed taxi and private hire sector, we would appreciate clarification on what steps the department intends to take in response to these ongoing issues. This may include engagement with Staffordshire Police, communication with drivers, reviewing safety measures, or introducing further initiatives aimed at protecting licensed drivers and their vehicles.
“In addition, given the current situation and the increased risk of vehicles being targeted, we ask that you consider removing the condition requiring vehicles to display stickers (livery). We believe this requirement may make vehicles more easily identifiable and therefore more vulnerable to damage and its removal could help reduce the risk to drivers.
“Drivers need reassurance that their concerns are being taken seriously and that proactive action is being considered to address these repeated incidents. We would be grateful for your response outlining any planned actions or support available to licensed drivers.”
We have contacted Staffordshire Police for a statement
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