Tuesday 22nd July 2014

Recently revealed figures show that, in the period from 1st January to 31st March, there were 31 taxi related crimes committed in Chesterfield.

Presenting the figures to the Taxi Licensing Consultative Group, Inspector John Turner confirmed that, included in that figure were seven assaults, three incidents which involved threatening behaviour and one robbery. Eight people made off without payment and four vehicles suffered damage.

Speaking to The Chesterfield Post on Friday, Acting Inspector Mark Church told us that the figures, in line with the number of crimes across the country were not acceptable, saying,"People should have a right to earn money - they shouldn't have to suffer offences like this."

He added that there was better news in the second quarter as, "Figures from 1st April to the present day show that offences are down in numbers, with 18 offences against taxi drivers committed. These include ten no payment, two public order and two criminal damage incidents. There were also two minor assaults on drivers during this period."

Whilst five crimes were racially or religiously aggravated during the first quarter, only one crime in the second period was racial and Acting Inspector Church (left), is emphatic that Derbyshire Constabulary, "Will not tolerate racism against taxi drivers - we strongly urge drivers to report it."

With all offences committed between midnight and 6am, concerns had been raised at the committee meeting by drivers that the opening hours of licensed premises could affect the amount of incidents.

Acting Inspector Church told us, "There are regular reviews of public house licenses, so any specific issues will mean that the pub will be looked at by the police and licensing officers and dealt with."

He added that "The force is certainly looking at trying to bolster the police numbers in town for the relevant hours and are looking to draft officers in from less busy areas to show a greater presence."

Responding to the drivers who felt that, due to police response times, fares could be lost on the evening whilst they waited to report the offence, he had this message, "We take this seriously and taxi drivers should have no hesitation in reporting this. We recognise that drivers do not have time but the best way is for drivers to come forward at the time, as we then have greater evidence."

David Hopton, Chairman of the Hackney Association described the figures as "shocking" but on the other hand, told us that, on the whole the job is a pleasure, "It's a decent reflection on the majority of good people of Chesterfield that there are 60 odd incidents from January but there are over 300 drivers taking thousands of people home on a Friday or Saturday night!

"It's a pretty small percentage and in any area of society, there is always a small percentage that spoil it for people. Look on the other side - how many decent people have taken taxis home and not given anyone any aggro? That's a positive thing."

Dave says though that he believes the law ought to be tightened, "Unfortunately, they are getting away with it, as a lot of time it has to be a private prosecution, where I don't think it should be; it's obtaining goods by deception and it should be a criminal offence. I think we ought to be a bit tougher in law - we'd be better off!

"We do suffer physical and racial abuse - some of our asian drivers are having it rough at the moment - they're good lads and all we want to do is earn a living."

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