Posted on the 20th January 2026 in PHTM News
SHEFFIELD POLICE LAUNCH ACTION PLAN AFTER YOUTHS TURN STREETS INTO TAXI NO GO AREAS
South Yorkshire Police has unveiled a dedicated patrol plan to combat a surge in violence against taxi drivers in Sheffield, following warnings that parts of the city are becoming “no go” areas due to frequent missile attacks.
As previously reported, the move comes after drivers reported a wave of incidents involving stones and bricks being hurled at vehicles, particularly around Shiregreen Lane, Birley, and the city’s railway station.
Hafeas Rehman, chairman of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, warned that without intervention, it is “only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously hurt.”
Local officials have reacted with outrage to the reports of drivers being targeted while working. After meeting with affected cabbies last week, Councillor Mark Rusling condemned the violence.
“I was absolutely shocked to hear of the dangers that taxi drivers are facing just for doing their job. It is an utter disgrace,” Cllr Rusling said. “Drivers are a vital part of our city’s community and have the right to go about their work without fear of being attacked with stones and bricks.”
Inspector Alec Gibbons, of the Sheffield North East neighbourhood policing team, confirmed that Shiregreen Lane had become a specific blackspot for criminal damage.
"In December 2025 we received multiple reports of criminal damage to vehicles on Shiregreen Lane.
These incidents reportedly consisted of youths throwing stones and rocks at passing vehicles," Insp Gibbons stated. "A patrol plan is in place to help act as a deterrent to those involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality."
While the Inspector noted that there have been no fresh reports on Shiregreen Lane so far in January 2026, police are taking retrospective action.
On January 11, a 15-year-old boy was referred to a youth offending team after admitting to damaging a vehicle during a similar incident in August 2025.
Drivers have identified several high-risk zones where attacks are most frequent on weekend nights: Shiregreen Lane; City Road; Woodthorpe Road; Sheffield Railway Station.
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