Taxi Driver Online

Derby taxi driver decides on justice for vandal who broke his aerial

A DERBY taxi driver has become one of the first people to benefit from a police scheme which allows victims to decide what punishment should be handed to criminals. Shahid Malik asked for compensation, a letter of apology and a face-to-face meeting with the man who vandalised his car during an attack in Alvaston.

The man would have normally been arrested, but under a new approach to dealing with crime being run by Derbyshire police, officers were able to tailor their course of action to the wishes of Mr Malik.

The new system, which was introduced earlier this month in parts of Derby, encourages officers to use their judgement to decide the best course of action for victims of lesser crimes.

Under the system, officers carry a pocket-sized booklet which separates crimes into three categories – red, amber and green. If a crime falls into the green section, officers can decide whether the matter can be dealt with without making an arrest.

Mr Malik, 49, of Lttleover said: "It worked very well for me because all I wanted was for my aerial to be fixed. I asked for £20 for the damage that was caused, £20 to have the new aerial fitted and £50 in lost work.

"He was only a young lad and I didn't want him to have to go to court for this. I wanted him to tell me he was sorry and I wanted a letter from him saying so as well. "The police were brilliant and it has saved a lot of hassle for him and for me so I am very happy with the outcome. It was all resolved very quickly."

Last month, the Derby Telegraph revealed 75 per cent of Derbyshire police constables had been trained in using the new professional judgement system. Police community support officers in Spondon and Chaddesden have also been trained.

Examples of crimes in the green section include criminal damage, interference with cars and minor assaults. Mr Malik, who works for Derby-firm Western Cars, had his car damaged after he collected three men from the James Wyatt pub, in Keldholme Lane, on Sunday, April 5.

He drove the men to Brackens Lane, which is where the incident took place at around 11.30pm. He said: "One of the lads got out and started pulling the aerial. He chucked it in a garden so I phoned the police."

Officers identified the vandal by checking CCTV from the pub and checking the phone number was used to contact Western Cars to order the taxi. They then arranged to meet with Mr Malik and the culprit to negotiate the best course of action.

Chief Superintendent Andy Hough, who is in charge of policing in Derby, said: "This was really good example whereby everyone involved was happy with the outcome. The victim has had a small amount of compensation for being inconvenienced and the offender has not been unnecessarily criminalised."

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IDFIMH

A very interesting approach by Derby Police. I feel it would work for minor offences.

Force them (The offender) to join the GMB and serve under you know who for three years, that should be enough to put them off re-offending for life.

(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) (etc)

He could be my bitch for the week.