Posted on the 11th August 2026 in PHTM News

SHEFFIELD CABBIES FEAR INCREASING RACIST ATTACKS AS VEHICLES ARE TARGETED

Cabbies in Sheffield are living in fear of a rising wave of racist attacks, with many saying their vehicles are being regularly targeted by youths.

Mohammed Awais Alyas, director of Sheff Fleet Ltd, which leases taxis to drivers, and a working driver himself, says that while vandalism has long been an issue, the hostility has taken a clear and alarming racial turn.

Mr Alyas explained that the perpetrators have grown much bolder, stating: "The kids have got a lot braver, and they are more likely to target drivers in a racist attack."

He added: "They know that most drivers are not white, their motive is racism."

According to Mr Alyas, while this trend has built over the last two years, it has become increasingly common in recent months.

The situation has become so severe that some drivers are taking desperate steps to protect themselves by removing the Sheffield City Council logo from their cars to avoid being easily identified from a distance. While Mr Alyas noted this measure has stopped some incidents, he stressed: "We shouldn’t have to take these measures."

He also expressed deep concern for passenger safety, asking: "If a customer gets injured, who is responsible?" and admitted that he now avoids taking fares in certain postcode areas altogether.

Drivers report suffering smashed windows, dents, and regular vehicle damage, with some attacks happening almost daily in specific neighbourhoods. Among those affected is Mohammad Shafiq, who recently reported an incident at an Iceland supermarket car park on Barnsley Road.

Mr Shafiq described how a group of four or five youths approached his car on July 29, with one girl shouting at him and another opening the rear door while he sat inside. He managed to drive away safely, though objects were thrown at his car as he left.

South Yorkshire Police stated that an investigation into Mr Shafiq's case is ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The force previously introduced a patrol plan in areas like Parson Cross and Wordsworth Avenue following reports of youths throwing items at vehicles and attempting to stop cars at traffic lights.

While South Yorkshire Police noted that hate crimes involving taxi drivers make up a small percentage of overall reports and that they have not seen a recent statistical increase, they acknowledged that drivers are particularly vulnerable due to their constant public interaction and night-time shifts.

Officers have encouraged anyone affected to report incidents online or via 101 as soon as their shift ends. Anyone with information on these incidents is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101.


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