A series of unsolved taxi thefts within Kent has led to an outpour of disappointment from drivers in the region.
Since 2023, it has been reported that thousands of pounds worth of stolen goods have been taken during taxi-break ins, with many of these cases remaining unresolved.
In Canterbury, taxi driver Choni Ahmed is one of these victims. He experienced a robbery last October, resulting in a loss of more than £1000 overnight.
“I’ve been incredibly stressed ever since” the 33-year-old says.
“I lost my Air Pods, a jacket containing £30-£50 in cash, and a Snap-On diagnostic machine for cars worth approximately £1000, as well as a two-week work hiatus due to the window repair, which costs £199.”
Police was contacted on the morning of Friday 6 October 2023, after it was reported that a number of items had been stolen from a car in Woodville Close, Canterbury.
For Mr Ahmed, stories like these are not uncommon. The taxi driver of two years claims that in a previous situation involving another taxi driver, a robbery resulted in the theft of £400 in cash, along with a phone, passport and bank cards.
This crime also remains unsolved.
Drivers plan to appeal to Canterbury City Council for support and assistance.
A Canterbury City Council Spokesman says: “We are concerned to hear of some recent incidents, and responsibility for investigating these sits with Kent Police.
“However, we are always available to support our licensed drivers and we are liaising with police colleagues to see if we can assist in any way, to help make drivers feel safe as they go about their important work providing a service to the public.”
Mr Ahmed has expressed his disappointment regarding the current issue within his community.
“I definitely feel disappointed, but what can I do about it, while these thieving bastards getting away with everything.”
Since then, a Kent Police spokesperson says since their previous statement regarding Mr Ahmed’s case, which highlighted the time and date of the offence, there is no further update.
“Anyone with information who has yet to speak to officers should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/180088/23.”