Councillor Aasim Rashid calls for vigilance after taxi driver has vehicle vandalised

Brick thrown through the window of the taxi

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Councillor Aasim Rashid is calling for increased vigilance after a taxi driver had his vehicle vandalised on Chamber House Drive in Castleton between 9.30pm and 10.00pm on Sunday 9 October.

He said: “This is a serious and shocking incident with a taxi driver who earns his livelihood with this car.

“There are a lot of concerns from the neighbourhood, may people feel quite frightened and intimidated by this incident.”

Taxi driver Mr Irfan was not in the car at the time of the incident, discovering the vandalism after putting his gym bag in the boot.

A heavy brick had been thrown through the window and a small amount of cash taken from the vehicle.

Repairs to the window and interior are expected to cost between £300 and £1,000 pounds.

Sergeant Rhys Ibbotson, of Rochdale North, said: “The incident itself is an isolated incident in this area and, on first instance, would seem to be that of an opportunist thief, who was probably passing at the time.

“We will increase patrols in this area during the night time to see if we can catch or deter those involved from any future offences.

“We will conduct local house to house enquiries and complete the relevant CCTV enquiries in order to hopefully identify the culprit.”

Councillor Rashid added: “This is a positive response from the neighbourhood police officer.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”