Posted on the 7th April 2026 in PHTM News

CAMBRIDGE CABBIES LIVE IN FEAR AS THIEVES TARGET CABS

Cambridge cabbies say they are feeling "unsafe and unprotected" following a wave of vehicle break-ins that has targeted dozens of cabs since February.

Drivers believe they are being singled out by thieves who mistakenly think there is cash left in the vehicles overnight or while they are away from their cars.

The impact of these crimes is both emotional and financial. Driver Mohammad Rahman, (pictured left) who has worked in the city for six years, shared his experience after his window was smashed while he was at a sports centre.

"They took my wallet, cash and, bank card," he said. "When I came out, I was very shocked. I was very angry. I couldn't work for three days because I had to get my car repaired, which took me three days out of work."

Mr. Rahman noted that the ordeal cost him over £600 in lost wages on top of repair bills.

The atmosphere among the city's cabbies has become one of constant anxiety. Mr. Rahman added: “Everyone is in fear of waking up in the morning, finding their car broken in.

So, a lot of people are not sleeping at night. Just checking in the middle of night, checking their vehicle, whether it's okay. At the moment, we're not feeling safe and feeling unprotected.”

Local officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation. Councillor Michael Todd Jones of Cambridge City Council described the trend as "very worrying," noting that it is a "double whammy" for drivers.

"If their taxi is broken into and a window is broken, they've got to pay for the repairs. But also, they're out of business for a few days while that repair is happening, so they're being hit twice financially," he said.

In response to the crime wave, many drivers are calling for a change in council rules that require them to display permanent licensing signs on their cars.

They believe this signage makes them easy targets and want permission to remove the signs when they are off duty.

While police investigations continue, authorities have urged drivers to park in well-lit areas and ensure no valuables are left inside their vehicles.


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