Taxiwise was launched in May 2003 with the support of leading safety charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the GLA and the Metropolitan Police’s Project Sapphire Task Force, which is dedicated to improving rape investigation and victim care. Since then backing for the campaign has been widespread with support from key national organisations, high-profile MP’s, government authorities and legal taxi operators and drivers across the UK.
Once again the dangers of bogus mini cab drivers has hit the headlines after a 20 year old woman was abducted, run over and killed after getting into what she thought was a taxi in Wakefield.
The young woman was coming out of a night club with her boyfriend and flagged down the vehicle and got in. The car sped off before her boyfriend could get in with her and within a few minutes she was found dead.
Taxiwise is calling upon local police forces to follow the lead taken by the Metropolitan Police to remove bogus mini cabs from the streets.
Research carried out by a special Intelligence Unit formed by the Metropolitan Police has revealed that one woman every week is being raped after accepting a ride in an illegal mini cab in London alone, but what asks Taxiwise about the rest of the country?