Man kidnapped by fake Birmingham cabbie

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2LRqK2l

A fake Birmingham cabbie kidnapped a lone reveller, before forcing him to hand over his bank card and PINPolice are appealing for information after the suspect drove up to the 29-year-old man on Broad Street at around 4am on 24 June.He offered him a lift for £10. The man jumped in, believing it was a taxi.Officers want to speak to this man about the incidentBut instead of being taken home, he was plied with whiskey and cigarettes and bundled into a second car, where he was attacked by four Asian men.He was threatened and forced to hand over his phone, bank cards, PIN number and personal banking details.The men drove him around the city before kicking him out and leaving him to find his own way home with no cash, and no means of contacting family and friends.As soon as he could, he reported the incident to police.Police are also seeking these three men in connection with what happened

As a result of extensive enquires and a large scale CCTV operation, officers now have images of four men suspected of withdrawing funds and using the stolen cards in the days following the kidnapping.Anyone who recognises these men are asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 ext. 845 6210. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.DC Andrew Reid, who is investigating the case said: “Although offences like this are extremely rare, there is always a risk when approaching taxis on the street or getting into a taxi that has approached you. Many people may not know this, but if a driver asks if you require a taxi they’re actually committing a criminal offence.“The safest way to use a private hire taxi is to book directly with a reputable private hire operator via phone, app, online or in person. This guarantees you will be driven by a licensed, insured driver in a licensed, insured vehicle. You can also use a licensed hackney carriage which is licensed within the area you are in.“If there are any problems there will be a record of your journey, your driver and the vehicle used which means they can be traced if needed.”Those with information about what’s happened are asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers. Please quote crime number 20BW/143729W/18.

July 27, 2018 at 01:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT