Letter from Greater Manchester Police - Taxi Watch - Taxi trade updates

Date
8 August 2024
Details

Letter from

PC B Brookfield
Divisional Licensing Officer
Bolton Police Station
Scholey Street
Bolton
BL2 1HD
Tel 0161 856 5544
11313@gmp.police.uk


Re: -Taxi Watch

Dear Sir, Madam,

Through consulting with drivers, about how we should deal with their concerns and meet demand it has surfaced that, drivers do not feel safe and will often avoid working at peak hours or attending certain locations for fear of assault by members of the public, or the dangerous targeting of their vehicles by local youths.
The ‘Taxi Watch’ scheme may assist in reducing the incidence of crime against drivers and their taxis, as well as the local community which is why we ask you to join the scheme and the others that are already involved in its early stages and positive start.


What is it?
‘Taxi Watch’ is principally a partnership arrangement between the Police, taxi drivers and Bolton Council. It aims to try and improve the safety and quality of life of taxi drivers, customers, and the community.

Although taxi firms are rival in business, they are united in their desire to improve safety and increase public confidence.

By joining ‘Taxi Watch’, taxi drivers can improve their safety, respect, public relationship and relationship with the police and other key partners.

As well as promoting safe travel, it is hoped the scheme will help disseminate other intelligence crucial to the police and vice versa.

Where does it operate?
‘Taxi Watch’ is to operate throughout Bolton.

What are the objectives of ‘Taxi Watch’?

  • To reduce the number of preventable crimes
  • To assist members of the public at times of personal emergency
  • To identify criminal activity and communicate information to the police
  • To promote crime prevention measures that will:
    • Reduce assaults
    • Increase personal safety
    • Deter dishonesty.
  • Encourage the co-operation between the police and the taxi industry.
  • To implement and maintain an effective system of reporting criminal or suspicious activity to the police.

If you wish to discuss the scheme further, then please contact me on the above number or via my email address.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 21st August at 11:00 Hours at Astley Bridge Police Station.

Yours faithfully,
Ben Brookfield

PC 11313 Brookfield
Bolton Divisional Licensing Officer