DISTRESSED taxi drivers have said they are considering leaving the profession due to persistent attacks on their vehicles across Newport.
Drivers have spoken of their frustration and anger at thieves targeting them and their cars in multiple areas.
One of the taxi's broken into
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Shamimul Islam is one of many taxi drivers to have been affected.
During one recent incident he said he had both £100 cash and a work mobile stolen.
“I had parked my car outside my house when I finished work last Friday,” said the 39-year-old, of Pill.
“They smashed the passenger window and stole £100 and my work mobile.
“I am angry because I have a family to feed. How can I put food on the table if I have to pay to repair damage to my vehicle and stolen items.
“Thankfully I had insurance for my broken window - but I still had to pay £90 excess.”
He added he felt like he would have little alternative but to pursue a different form of work if the situation continued to persist.
“The break-in has left me feeling very vulnerable and scared,” he said.
“When ever I go to bed I cannot sleep because I am worried.
“I cannot lose this sort of money again. I have lost almost £200.
“This is happening too often to taxi drivers. If this is not sorted I, like other drivers, will leave.”
Driver Abdur Rokib said he had his vehicle broken into in Pill recently too. He also said it was not the first time it has happened.
“Thieves got in through my window, too,” he said. “They stole between £70 to £80 - that money is a lot to me.
“This has happened lots of times.”
And Skiekun Islam said he too had seen cash stolen from his vehicle, this time in the St Julians area of the city.
He said: “My window was smashed and I lost £50.
“This is money I rely on and I cannot afford to lose it.”
All three men have called on police to do all they can to catch those responsible.
“We are going to leave if things do not get better,” said Mr Islam.
Mr Rokib added: “I am really worried about my future.”
Sergeant Roland Giles from the Pill Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are aware of a spate of thefts from motor vehicles in the Pill area and are currently following up on enquiries.
“While we deal with these incidents, we would like to remind residents and taxi drivers to remove valuables such as change bags and mobile phones from view, or from the vehicle completely. Even if it’s just for a short space of time, please always take precautions.”
And a spokeswoman for Gwent Police confirmed that Mr Islam’s car had been broken into outside his house and added: “Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident 66 of 22/2/2019 or direct message us on Facebook or Twitter.”
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