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Over 100 Cab-Related Sex Attacks in London

In London alone, there have been 111 cab-related sexual offences over the last year.
Lifestyle - 15 December 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Phil Makinson and Sharon Ali| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

With figures showing 111 cab-related sexual offences took place over the last year in London , worrying new research reveals that one third of us have admitted to having used illegal cabs.

These statistics have sparked grave concern, coming at time of year when we are well into the festive party season and more of us are relying on cab drivers to get us home safely. Given that 27% admit to having used an unlicensed taxi after leaving a nightclub and 15% after a trip to the pub there is evidence that we may be gambling with our personal safety.

Even more disturbing is that simple factors like inconvenience and expense are forcing people to take risks - 24% say licensed taxis are too difficult to get hold of and almost half claim they’re too expensive. But with the risk of being attacked just one of the frightening prospects to come of an unlicensed journey - is it worth letting such comparably trivial issues get in the way?

. Introduction:

In London alone, there have been 111 cab-related sexual offences over the last year. Alarming research reveals that one third of us have admitted taking unlicensed minicabs over licensed ones – especially during the festive party season which sees more of us relying on taxi drivers and minicabs to get us home safely.

So what are the risks of getting in an unlicensed minicab and why is it so important that people take extra care- especially around this time of year?

Joining us to discuss this further is Phil Makinson and Sharon Ali from Kabbee, whose research highlights the high number of people that have used illegal cabs.

. Suggested Questions:

What has the research revealed about peoples willingness to use unlicensed cabs in our area?

Why are so many people prepared to get into the back of an unlicensed taxi?

What sort of things are people putting themselves at risk of by getting into an unlicensed car?

Why is it so important to make no compromise on our safety when it comes to getting home?

What advice do you have for people who are heading out across the festive period?

Where can our listeners go to find out more information?