A taxi firm boss has branded the criminal justice system "broken" after new figures revealed almost a third of offenders in Bolton reoffended within a year.
Shaz Malik, the founder of 4Sixes Taxis and the mastermind behind the innovative "Batman strategy" safety scheme, said the data was "no surprise".
The Ministry of Justice found that of the 1,634 offenders in Bolton in the year leading up to September 2022, 460 went on to commit further crimes.
This equates to a reoffending rate of 28.2%, up from 22.2% the previous year.
Mr Malik, who is well known for his work with ex-offenders and his community-focused taxi business, said: "Some people want to change, but many don't. Those who continue offending often don't know any other way."
The "Batman" scheme involves training taxi drivers to help keep each other and their communities safe by reporting dangerous or criminal incidents to Mr Malik using radios.
Mr Malik says that he then will work with police to resolve these issues.
He also hopes to expand the scheme to include food deliveries for the needy.
Despite encountering crime victims within his own industry, Mr Malik remains committed to helping those caught in a cycle of offending.
He believes rehabilitation should begin during prison sentences, with inmates being taught valuable skills such as plumbing and electrics.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government was committed to reducing reoffending and had introduced measures to address prison overcrowding and strengthen probation services.
They acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted they were working to break the cycle of crime.
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Artur Nowostawski has been jailed for six years and nine months after he attacked a taxi driver earlier this year.
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West Mercia Police is appealing for information following a rape that took place in Malvern's Priory Park early on Sunday, August 4th.
Glasgow taxi users could be facing a near-10% fare increase and extended night-time charges.
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Cumberland Council has taken decisive action to protect public safety by revoking the licence of a taxi driver charged last week with a serious racially aggravated offence.
A historic bridge has been closed indefinitely after an Uber car became wedged on Saturday morning.
A local councillor has sparked a debate on passenger safety after claiming that using locally licensed taxis is safer than hailing an Uber.
A taxi driver was attacked and subjected to racist abuse after two brothers refused to pay him up front.
Christopher Hilling, 64, admitted to engaging a child in sexual activity at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 8 August.
Abdigani Ebrahim, 38, of Grangetown, admitted charges of affray and criminal damage following the incident in Northcote Street, Roath, last July.
The crackdown targeted drivers operating across council boundaries to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.