A spate of vandalism targeting taxis in the early hours of Sunday, 22 December, has sparked concern and prompted a response from North Wales Police (NWP).

The incident, described by police as causing "significant disruption" within the Wrexham community, involved a group of eight youths vandalising property on Johnstown's High Street around 1:50am. CCTV footage reportedly shows one individual throwing objects at buildings and street furniture, including parked taxis.

In response to this incident and a recent rise in anti-social behavior, a 48-hour dispersal order will be in effect from 4pm on Sunday, 29 December, encompassing the areas of Rhos, Ponciau, and Johnstown.

NWP Wrexham Rural has reported an increase in incidents since late October, including:

• Large groups of youths intimidating local residents
• Throwing stones and eggs at vehicles and houses
• Theft
• Disruptive behavior at retail establishments

The NWP Wrexham Rural policing team is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the culprits responsible for the taxi vandalism.

A spokesperson stated: "Several taxis had their windows smashed, causing significant disruption and concern in our community. Let's come together to address this and keep Johnstown safe. Do you recognise any of these youths?"

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting reference Q191748. 

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Police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to after a taxi driver was threatened with a knife.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were called to Glasshouse Street, in Nottingham, at about 10:40 GMT on 9 December following an altercation between the driver and two passengers.

They had argued about payment of the fare before one of the men produced a knife and made threats to the victim, the force added.

On Sunday 29 December, officers released photographs of two men they would like to identify.

PC Octavia Watson said: "Thankfully, the taxi driver was not hurt, but this will have been a frightening ordeal for him to go through as he tried to do his job.

"We believe the two men pictured could have important information about what happened.

"If you know who they are, please get in touch without delay."

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An Aberdeen taxi driver spent Christmas Day in A&E after a passenger viciously attacked him, biting his finger "to the bone."

Abdullah ER, a self-employed driver for Rainbow City Taxis, picked up a fare in the Riverside of Blairs area on Wednesday evening. The passenger, a young man had his face covered throughout the journey to the city centre.

Upon arrival at Bon Accord Street at 8:12pm, the passenger attempted to pay the £23.80 fare with a purple card by phone, then left the car without waiting for confirmation.

Mr ER recounted. "When I called him back, he ignored me and walked away."

Mr ER caught up with the passenger to inform him of the declined payment, at which point the passenger launched an unprovoked attack.

"He started punching me, and when I tried to defend myself, he bit my right index finger very deeply," Mr. ER said.

"I shouted at him to stop, and he eventually released his grip, then fled the scene."

The cabbie sustained a severe bite wound to his finger, requiring immediate medical attention.

He spent several hours in the emergency room receiving treatment for the injury and receiving Hepatitis B injections as a precautionary measure.

He is now on a six-month treatment course and a week of antibiotics.

Police Scotland has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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A local taxi driver has expressed strong opposition to a significant increase in licensing fees proposed by Bolsover District Council.

The proposed changes, set to take effect on 20 January 20, would see annual fees jump from £150 to £194, a substantial increase that has left many drivers feeling unfairly burdened.

Mark Bedford, who operates an airport transfer service in the area, voiced his concerns: "This is a massive increase all at once. Back in 2022, the council mandated costly CCTV installations in our vehicles, adding £500 to £600 to our expenses. Meanwhile, drivers in neighboring areas such as Chesterfield are exempt from this requirement."

Bedford further emphasised the detrimental impact on the local industry: "This discourages new drivers from obtaining a Bolsover licence. There's already a shortage of local taxis, and these escalating costs are only making the situation worse.

"The council claims they don't profit from these fees, but this drastic increase is difficult to justify."

He also highlighted the limited time frame for submitting objections: "The email states that objections must be submitted by 16 January, yet the fee increase takes effect on 20 January. This hardly gives us enough time to properly respond."

A spokesperson for Bolsover District Council defended the proposed increase, stating that fees have remained unchanged since 2018. They emphasised the importance of maintaining service levels while ensuring that those who utilise the service are the ones contributing to its costs.

"The council also clarified that the increase is necessary to offset the costs associated with mandated services, such as CCTV installations.

The council has urged drivers to submit any objections by the 16 January deadline. The Licensing Committee will then review all objections and make a final decision on the new fee structure.

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A private hire driver was allegedly spotted "inhaling nitrous oxide" when they were stopped by Merseyside Police officers.

The force said the driver of a black Kia Niro had been stopped for speeding but when police halted the car, the driver was seen to be inhaling nitrous oxide.

The force confirmed the driver then tested positive for cannabis and cocaine. He was subsequently arrested.

The driver's licence was also suspended and a report was made to Sefton Council.

In a post on X, The Roads Policing Unit said: "This private hire vehicle was stopped for excess speed.

"When stopped, the driver was seen to be inhaling nitrous oxide. The driver provided a positive test for cannabis and cocaine and was arrested."

When asked whether the council would be made aware, the account replied: "Their licence was suspended and a report to the council has been made."

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