Reveller kidnapped and robbed by fake taxi gang
A fake taxi driver kidnapped a lone reveller, before forcing him to hand over his bank card and PIN number.
The driver approached the 29-year-old man on Broad Street, in Birmingham, at around 4am on June 24.
He offered him a lift for £10 – and the man jumped in, believing it to be a taxi. But instead of taking him home, he was plied with whiskey and cigarettes – before being bundled in a second car, where he was attacked by four Asian men.
He was threatened and forced to hand over his phone, bank cards, PIN number and personal banking details.
The men drove him around the city before kicking him out and leaving him to find his own way home with no cash and no means of contacting his family or friends. As soon as he could, he reported it to the police.
Following extensive enquiries and a large CCTV operation, West Midlands Police officers have images of four men suspected of withdrawing funds and using the stolen cards in the following days.
DC Andrew Reid, investigating, said: "Many people may not know this, but if a driver asks if you require a taxi they’re actually committing a criminal offence.
“The safest way to use a private hire taxi is to book directly with a reputable private hire operator via phone, app, online or in person. This guarantees you will be driven by a licensed, insured driver in a licensed, insured vehicle. You can also use a licensed hackney carriage which is licensed within the area you are in."
Anyone who recognises the men, is asked to call 101 ext. 845 6210, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.