CABBIE WATCH
It is reassuring to see that more and more of these Cabbie Watch initiatives are being developed in different places around the country. See also our feature this month on ScamSavers; the overall concept is that we, collectively as a licensed industry, can do our bit to alert the proper authorities, and thus get rid of some of the devious criminals who resort to covert operations to harm the more vulnerable elements of our society.
GLOUCESTER TAXI TRADE ARE ASKED TO BE VIGILANT
Taxi drivers and hote- liers are being asked by police in Glouces- ter to be the eyes and ears of the community in the fight against sexual exploitation. During the run up to Christmas officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary visited hotels and issued information to taxi drivers urging them to say something if they see signs of a child being sexually exploit- ed.
According to the Gloucester Citizen, hotel owners are being asked to notify police if they see adults with children who do not appear to be family members. Similarly taxi drivers are being asked to keep an eye out if they see children out late with adults.
But Gloucester taxi driver Jeff Payne feels it could be a tricky issue for those in his trade. He said: “The thing is,
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how do you know if a child with an adult is their child or not? You normally just assume they are, don’t you. Saying that I do think this is a good idea. Any- thing to help fight child sex exploitation has to be welcomed.” People who think a child may be at risk of sexual exploitation should call the Chil- dren’s Helpdesk on 01452 426 565 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
SOUTH TYNESIDE CABBIES TRAINED TO SPOT VULNERABLE PASSENGERS
Police are offering taxi firms in South Tyne- side the chance to take part in training to help them spot people made vulnerable through alcohol. Officers have already delivered awareness sessions to South Shields door staff encouraging them to assess factors includ- ing the amount of alcohol someone has consumed, their age and whether they’re on their own or have
lost contact with their friends and the sur- rounding environment and weather condi- tions will also be considered. Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Insp Peter Sutton said: “Taxi drivers play an integral role within the night time economy, ensuring people are transported safely from South Shields town centre and other areas of the borough at the end of the night.
“This more often than not puts them in con- tact with people who may be vulnerable and potentially come to harm.”
Mmmm... Very sensi- ble idea, this type of training, as it would benefit both the driv- ers through heighten- ed awareness, and vulnerable passengers under the influence. Hopefully the trade in South Tyneside will be up for it, especially if it is free of charge. - Ed.
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A new initiative that has started to drive forward the sharing of information between police and taxi firms happened last month in Hastings. Represen- tatives from Hastings police, Hastings Bor- ough Council and the taxi and private hire firms met to sign an information sharing protocol to launch Taxi Watch. Taxi Watch was con- ceived in response to a number of reports from taxi drivers about people not paying for their taxi fares. PCSO Andy Hubbard visited all the taxi operators across Hastings and St Leonards to sign them up to the scheme. There are currently 21 firms signed up to receive information directly from police. Insp. Chris Veale, of the Hastings Neigh- bourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a simple way for police, the council and taxi operatives to work together towards reducing crime and helping to protect taxi firms against financial loss.
“There is also scope for taxi drivers to high- light to police people who are potentially vulnerable and to give them the confidence to report something that doesn’t appear to be quite right. The taxi driver may well be in a position to help some- one in need. “Police will share with scheme members the details of people who have not paid for their fare. All taxi operators are then armed with addresses, descrip- tions and/or photo- graphs of individuals who have not paid for their fares. It is up to their discretion whether or not to accept the person or to request up front payment.” NPHA member, Chris Vale, of 247 Transport Solutions in St Leonards, is firmly behind the initiative. Chris commented: “Our firm fully supports the Taxi Watch Scheme; in fact we were the main instigator on the indus- try side.”
Meanwhile in Brent- wood, pub and club bosses will team up with taxi drivers to combat rowdy rev-
ellers. The Brentwood Night Hawks project was launched last month to promote calm and “sensible behaviour” in the town. It will act as a Neigh- bourhood Watch-style group with cabbies, venue staff and emer- gency services to divert potential flash- points.
Campaign leader David Hayter, a cabbie for five years, told the Brentwood Weekly News: “I thought the hawk image would be good as people could see it and perhaps ask what it is, allowing us to discuss it. It gives us a chance to talk to the young people and show residents we are doing something to help.
“It’ll be like a neigh- bourhood watch at night with the idea being if everyone keeps an eye out, we can get a swifter response to problems.” Cllr Chris Hossack added: “It is all about being responsible and the Night Hawks will help with this by keep- ing an eye out for people in the town and speaking to them.”
PHTM JANUARY 2014
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