Crimestoppers, the Met Police, the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) and Radio Taxis Group have launched London Taxi Watch; to encourage taxi drivers to give information about crime anonymously.
The scheme has been devised to utilise the benefit of having thousands of taxi drivers who drive through the streets of London daily, who can give information on suspicious behaviour. Drivers who believe a crime may have taken place and have information can pass it on to Crimestoppers anonymously.
A launch will take place outside City Hall in London at 10am on Thursday 28 November where the Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan Howe, the Deputy Mayor for Policing And Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, Crimestoppers’ CEO and the CEO of Radio Taxis will be present and sharing information about the scheme.
Radio Taxis’ CEO, Geoffrey Riesel, became involved in the effort through his participation in the international Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, which has helped to launch similar programmes in dozens of cities around the world.
Taxi drivers across the city have been briefed about the initiative and will be playing their part in reducing crime in the capital.
Crimestoppers’ London Campaigns Manager, Regan Hook, said; “We are truly delighted to make this scheme a reality and allow taxi drivers across London to become everyday heroes by combatting crime positively.
“Cab drivers may be aware of crime perpetrators including those involved in vehicle related crime or may have information and intelligence about other serious crimes.
“London’s taxi driving community is the eyes and ears of the city so they can invaluably help fight crime by contacting the charity anonymously and play a part in making London safer.”
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan Howe said; “This is a shining example of how the Metropolitan Police, Crimestoppers and London’s taxi community can work together to fight crime. London’s cabbies are the best in the world. With police officers they are there all hours, all weathers and all places. They can be our eyes and ears and help victims of crime.”
And Deputy Mayor for policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh said: “We need ordinary Londoners to look out for each other and with London taxis travelling all over the capital each day, I hope the brilliant Taxi Watch scheme will encourage more cabbies to pass on information that helps the police fight crime.”
Crimestoppers takes information on all crime anonymously via 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form found at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Both routes are 100% anonymous – names are not taken, calls and IP addresses are not traced or recorded and people do not have to go to court.
A reward of up to £1,000 is available to anyone who gives information, directly to Crimestoppers on the 0800 555 111 number, that leads to an arrest and charge.
