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Sally Henfield

TAXI drivers fear they are being targeted by organised criminals after more than 30 vehicles were raided in two weeks.

Thieves have been breaking into the private hire taxis by smashing the passenger windows.

They then rifle through the vehicle looking for money or electrical goods.

Hyndburn Taxi Association has claimed that over 30 drivers have been affected by smash and grab attacks on their cabs over the past two weeks.

Police have launched an investigation and said 15 of the incidents had so far been reported to them.

Mohammed Arif, chair of the association, has been a recent victim of the raiders.

advertisementHe left his taxi in Hope Street, Accrington, at 3am on Saturday, only to find that his window had been put through while he was asleep in his nearby home.

Mr Arif said: "My son came and woke me to tell me what had happened.

"I was furious when I went outside. There had not been much money left in the cab and what there was not left out on view.

"It is not just the hassle of having to clean the mess up but you lose business by having to take time off to have the window fixed.

"This is costing drivers hundreds of pounds in damages and lost fares."

Thieves have targeted 15 taxis since last Thursday and made off with over £500, according to police.

Private hire cabs in Tremellen Street and Portland Street, Accrington, were broken into on Thursday January 25, while cars in Fountain Street, Garbett Street and Higher Antley Street had their windows smashed and loose change taken on Saturday January 27.

Since the weekend taxis have been raided in Tremellen Street, Beech Grove, India Street, Nelson Street and Richmond Road.

Mr Arif said that over 30 fellow drivers had told him about similar attacks on their cars.

He added: "These thieves are seeing the taxi plates on the back of the car and thinking it could be a quick way to make money.

"The fact that so many cars have been hit suggests that this is not just a coincidence, this is organised.

"They smash the windows, take the money and disappear."

Mr Arif called for police to up patrols in the affected areas to help tackle the problem. He said: "It is our livelihoods being affected by this and something needs to be done."

Sgt Alan Davies, Accrington Police, said: "We have had 15 incidents reported to us in the past week and we are investigating the problem.

"We would ask drivers to take any money out of their cars when they finish their shifts, and keep any cash out of sight when they are in the vehicles.

"Thieves see a taxi and see an opportunity. It is best not to give them any temptation."