Haslingden taxi drivers call for extra protection after attack (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden taxi drivers call for extra protection after attack

6:50pm Thursday 10th June 2010 in News By Alex Willmott, Reporter

ROBBERY VICTIM: Khalid Mahmood had a rope put around his neck

TAXI drivers are calling for extra security measures after a violent robbery on a driver.

Thieves posing as customers tied a rope around a Khalid Mahmood's throat before stealing cash in Haslingden.

Now the Rossendale Taxi Association has called for a 24-hour emergency response helpline from the borough council to protect worried drivers.

But the council has said this step was not necessary, instead pledging to give guidance on how drivers themselves can improve their own security.

Victim Mr Mahmood, who works for Red Baron Taxis, based in Haslingden, has backed the taxi association.

He said: "My neck is still very sore and I'm in shock. I don't like work if these things happen.

“There should be more help for taxi drivers. I'm just very, very shocked.”

Janet Broadbent, Operator at Red Baron Taxi’s said: “My driver was left very upset because they put a rope around his neck.

“I do feel that taxi drivers need to get more protection. It's really upsetting for us in Haslingden.”

Glen Bulcock, chairman of the Taxi Association, said they felt people were showing a 'total lack of respect for taxi drivers and getting away with it'.

He said: "Taxi drivers are a target for robbery and so we approached Rossendale council for a 24-hour emergency helpline.

“We have been told that it would not be possible.

“We would like a number or a service to call when serious things happen like the robbery.”

Around £35 in cash was stolen from Mr Mahmood in Ryefield Avenue West on Tuesday night.

Though members of Rossendale council sympathised with the taxi association, they do not feel a helpline would solve the problem.

Licensing and planning enforcement manager, Tracy Brzozowski said: “The attack on one of the borough’s taxi drivers this week was despicable.

“We will be writing to all drivers in the borough to provide them with guidance on simple steps they can take to improve their own security.

“We do not believe that a round the clock, dedicated council hotline, for taxi drivers will provide the protection they desire."