Knife-Wielding Thieves Target Portsmouth Taxi Drivers in Brazen Night Attacks
Police are hunting two men who terrorised taxi drivers in Portsmouth’s Paulsgrove area overnight. In three terrifying robberies, the pair threatened drivers with knives, snatched cash and phones, then drove off in one of the cabs.
Knife Point Robberies Shake Taxi Drivers
The first attack took place around 10.30pm on Friday, December 30, when two men flagged down a taxi on Deerhurst Road. They ordered the driver to stop on Blakemere Road before pulling out a knife and demanding cash and a mobile phone. They forced the driver out and sped away in the vehicle, which police later recovered for forensic checks.
Just over an hour later, around 11.40pm, the same duo struck again. They hailed a taxi to Tunstall Road and then ordered the driver to stop in Hillsley Road. Again, they pulled a knife and stole cash and a phone.
Third Incident Early Saturday Morning
In the early hours of Saturday, December 31, just after 5am, two men and a woman got into a taxi at Port Solent’s Tesco store. One of the men stopped the cab in Almondsbury Road, threatened the driver with a knife, and stole cash and a mobile phone.
Thankfully, none of the taxi drivers were injured during any of the attacks.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
The suspects are described as white men aged between 30 and 45. One is slim, about 6 feet tall, early 40s. The other is shorter, around 5ft 7in, with a larger build and slightly younger.
Detective Inspector James Stewart said: “We are carrying out enquiries to identify these men. If anyone saw anything suspicious around these areas and times, please get in touch. Also, if you find any discarded items like wallets or money bags, contact us on 101 quoting 44160490153.”
“We are working with local taxi companies to ensure drivers stay safe and report suspicious activity immediately.”
Taxi drivers in Portsmouth are urged to be extra vigilant and report anything unusual to police.
