Taxi Driver Online

From the Crawley News of 9th July


EXCLUSIVE: BRAVE TAXI DRIVER SENDS GUNMAN PACKING
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A hero cabbie fended off a masked gunman who threatened to "blow his brains out" for his cash.

Nasia Masood, a driver for Alpha Cars, wrestled with the hooded thug who pressed a pistol to his forehead.

The brave taxi driver then sent his attacker scuttling off with his tail between his legs - without a penny of Mr Masood's takings.

The mystery gunman jumped out of a bush on Oak Way, Northgate, before climbing into the taxi and threatening to kill him if he didn?t hand over his earnings.

But the courageous father-of-two decided to face his fears and fight the man, despite being in almost complete darkness on a quiet road.

Mr Masood, from Broadfield, spoke of the moment his life flashed before him as he felt the cold metal of the gun press against his head.

The father-of-two said: "I thought I was going to die.

"All I could think about was my family and my children. But it is better to die on your feet than live on your knees."

He added: "I work hard to make money for my family. No-one has the right the take that away from me, not even a man with a gun.

"When he realised I was willing to fight him he ran away, there is something to be said for that.

"This is not a safe job but you have to be able to stand up for yourself."

Mr Masood was threatened at gunpoint at about 1am on June 24.

He also revealed the same thing happened to another driver in West Green in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 38-year-old added: "Another driver was threatened in a very similar way, where someone jumped out of a bush and into his car.

"I would warn all drivers to be on their guard."

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said: "We can confirm that both incidents took place.

"Both drivers contacted police and we are currently investigating."

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.

Are you the other taxi driver who was threatened? Call the news desk on 01293 605809 or email kirsty.rigg@essnmedia.co.uk


Unfortunately there have been 2 further successful armed robberies in Northgate.

Local drivers are holding an Emergency meeting with Police, Licensing Officers and Cab company owners to decide how to deal with this new threat.

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Our safety is Paramount

Can't say I recommend anyone else does that, but I wish we had a few more on our side with those sort of sentiments.

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IDFIMH

From Crawley news of 16 July

CABBIES CALL FOR ACTION AFTER GUNPOINT ATTACKS
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BY KIRSTY RIGG
KIRSTY.RIGG@ESSNMEDIA.CO.UK

09:00 - 16 July 2008

Cabbies say they are fearing for their lives after three gunpoint robberies in just three weeks.

Last week, a teenager was arrested in connection with a spate of armed robberies on the town's taxi drivers.

Now cabbies have spoken of their concerns at the attacks.

Crawley Licensed Cab Drivers' Association will stage an emergency meeting next Wednesday at the Langley Green Community Centre to discuss the incidents.

Drivers have invited the police, Crawley Borough Council, the media and association members to attend.

Derek Kiernan, chairman of the association, said: "These robberies are very, very serious. We are in danger.

"The council has to meet the full costs of in-car CCTV for drivers before there is a death."

Last week the News reported how Nasia Masood, from Alpha Cars, fought off a masked gunman in a late-night robbery in Oak Way, Northgate, on June 24.

Mr Masood said: "This is getting worse everyday. It is not safe for us to go out anymore."

After this attack, two more drivers have come forward to report similar incidents.

Police have confirmed that a taxi driver was threatened with a firearm in Woolborough Close, Northgate, at about 2am on Friday July 11.

Two days later, a gunman confronted a driver in Barnfield Road, Northgate, at 3am, and stole a small amount of cash.

Officers from Crawley CID are linking the identical hold-ups.

They arrested a 19-year-old from Northgate, but later released him on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Nick May, of Crawley CID, said: "It is not acceptable that taxi drivers in Crawley are being targeted in this way. We will be doing everything possible to investigate these incidents.

"We will be working hard with Crawley Borough Council, local taxi firms and the community to put a stop to the offences and to bring this offender to justice.

"Crime prevention advice is being offered to taxi operators in the town, and we wish to continue the positive relationships we have with these firms."

A borough council spokesman said: "We will pay £250 towards the cost of buying and installing a CCTV system and have the budget to do this for another 35 taxis."

Anyone with any information that may lead to an arrest is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Steve Boyle at Crawley CID, on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Leckford.

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Our safety is Paramount

this must be the case i read about on the local teletext news.someone has been arrested for 4 crimes but you'll be assured,he's been released on bail.(honestly)