Taxis can be a dangerous way to travel according to Nottinghamshire police after reports of two sexual assaults in the city over the weekend.
It is believed by police that at least one of the incidents involved an unlicensed taxi.
The first incident occurred at 12.05am on Saturday 21 March when a women was allegedly sexually assaulted by a driver who approached her for her business in Greyfriar Gate.
The second assault allegedly took place as a women was nearing her home after getting a taxi at Goldsmith Street at about 1.30am on Sunday 22 March.
Police are investigating both reports and are urging people to take their safety, and that of their friends and family seriously and not use unlicensed taxis.
Detective Inspector Pete Quinn said: “In both incidents women thought they were safely travelling home from a night out but that turned out not to be the case.
“We are conducting our enquiries around unlicensed taxis and would urge people to be aware of the dangers of using them. Don’t get into a taxi that approaches you for business. After a few drinks your judgement may be skewed but it is not worth taking a risk.”
The police also have a video by Who Are You? – a New Zealand based multimedia campaign group against sexual assault – on their website, showing how sexual assaults can be stopped by intervening.
The video can be watched here.
Personal Safety tips when getting a taxi
- If you use a taxi service on a regular basis, keep the number handy and use the same safe firm each time.
- Always arrange the taxi in advance.
- Ask if they have women drivers if you are a lone woman or in a group of women.
- Give your name and address when ordering and ask them who they are collecting when they arrive. This way you know that it is the ride you expected.
- If alone or last out, sit directly behind the driver.
- If you do not know the taxi personally always check to ensure that it is bone fide taxi. Check both the plate on rear of the vehicle and the identification card carried by the driver. If in doubt, do not get into the vehicle.
