Report from Murdoch Police Station 30 September 2010

Unfortunately as a sign of the times, fare evasion and assaults on taxi drivers is on the rise particularly on the weekends.  In the unfortunate event of such an incident occurring, there’s also the likely down-time and lost wages of the taxi driver whilst they undergo medical treatment, make a report to police, arrange for downloading of digital footage from their taxi, and attend to any cleaning or repairs to damage caused to their vehicle.   

A case in point was recently, when a taxi driver collected a passenger for travel to a party.  On arrival, the passenger stated they had no money to pay the fare.  They tried in vain to con the driver with a wait-and-pay-later-plan by suggesting the cabbie remain while they borrowed some money from a friend who was believed to already be inside the venue.

The cabbie explained they wanted money ‘up-front’ prior to the passenger leaving the vehicle but this suggestion was opposed by the passenger.  The passenger then proceeded to punch the driver a number of times to the head. The dazed driver copped cuts and bleeding to their lips and nose, plus swelling and soreness to their head.  The attack continued when both parties faced off outside the cab where the passenger then did a bolt.  A key link to this investigation however was a Centrelink card found after the incident on the seat of the taxi believed to belong to the person of interest.  Inquiries by Murdoch Police are continuing.

In another incident, a taxi driver picked up an intoxicated passenger from a licensed venue and en route the passenger became confused and lost their sense of direction. The taxi driver stopped and asked their address with no luck.  The driver, suspecting the passenger had allegedly stolen something from inside the cab, advised them that they were going straight to the police station.  This angered the passenger who became increasingly aggressive in the moving vehicle and began pulling at the steering wheel, and the instruments of the dash before lashing out with their foot to whack the driver in the face and arm.  The driver stopped the taxi and the offender scampered.  A complaint was later lodged at Fremantle Police Station, with inquiries regarding an assault and fare evasion charges pending.

This is all just a timely reminder with the festive season fast approaching that there will be extra demands on taxis.  It also means this industry is providing an invaluable service so please ensure common courtesy, respect and payment for your ride. 

The Murdoch Police Station is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm but our officers patrol this area 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Please remember that if you need police assistance contact 131 444, or if you have information regarding any criminal activity contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 where your identity can remain confidential.  Save 000 for life threatening emergencies only.

Regards,

Sergeant Gerard O’Meara, Murdoch Police Station