A SERIES of vehicle break-ins in the Bradford Moor area has impacted the lives of local taxi drivers.

It has been revealed a number of these break-ins have been criminals targeting private hire cabs - and this has hit close to home for Cllr Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor), a former taxi driver.

Cllr Shafiq said: “This is hard for taxi drivers who face a loss of income during a cost of living crisis due to having to take time off work whilst their vehicle goes in for repair.”

The councillor has drafted a letter for residents, asked for more patrols from the police and reached out to the GMB union.

GMB has previously lobbied the Government to make taxis an essential service and campaigned for urgent financial assistance as fuel prices rise, but Cllr Shafiq feels more could be done to ensure vehicles are better protected.

He said: “I got into politics to fight for workers so I want to work with GMB political officers, cab drivers, the council, residents and police to come up with a proactive plan to prevent more vehicle crime in Bradford Moor.”

Last year a crime map showed the Bradford East ward as the second worst affected area across the district with 54 offences happening within a six-month time scale.

Eight offences happened on Leeds Old Road, Dick Lane saw seven and Leeds Road came out on top with an astonishing 30, according to data from the Home Office.

Councillor Zafar Iqbal (Lab, for Bradford Moor) added: “Vandalism and damage to taxis has an impact on drivers. They often lose out on working and for many days to have their cars repaired before they can return to work. We have been working with local residents and asked police for their intervention to deter and arrest criminals to make this area safe."

Inspector Paul Riley, of Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Over the last couple of weeks neighbourhood police patrols have been stepped up, including late-night patrols.

"We have visited local taxi companies to make them aware of the issues and to give out crime prevention advice, which includes not leaving valuables on display in vehicles.

"We are following a number of positive lines of enquiries to date and have carried out door to door enquiries looking for CCTV to help identify suspects.

"Since this proactive operation was launched, we have seen a reduction in the number of vehicle crime offences in the area.

"Also, a neighbourhood watch scheme is being set up in the area as a further deterrent."