Taxi Driver Online

http://www.whtimes.co.uk/content/whtime ... 3A54%3A320

A TAXI officer whose car was doused in petrol and set alight yards from his front door believes he may have been targeted by a disgruntled driver.

James Vaughan was at home with his wife and two children when the arson attack took place.

With the fire brigade called he tackled the blaze with the help of neighbours.

He was concerned his family's three other cars, garden hedges or the house could at any moment be caught alight.

Mr Vaughan is Welwyn Hatfield Council's Hackney Carriage officer.

He recommends who should and should not get licences and instigates court proceedings on illegal practices.

He has always believed that the job leaves him open to attack, but now he is concerned for his family.

His family's cars had been targeted two weeks before, with five tyres being slashed.

He believes that time the "scumbag" realised his car was missing and planned to come back later to destroy it.

Mr Vaughan added that he was thinking of moving on to a new job, but the attacks have made him more determined to continue.

"I'll not be driven out, they have got me to stay."

Council chief executive Michel Saminaden said: "We are taking the issue of criminal damage at Mr Vaughan's home address very seriously indeed. We have a responsibility for the safety of our staff and believe that this criminal behaviour should not be tolerated.

"As public serving officers we do expect to receive some criticism, and occasionally abuse, particularly over sensitive issues. However the nature of this attack is especially sinister as those responsible could have seriously injured Mr Vaughan and his family.

"In situations such as these we will do all we can to support our officers. We have provided Mr Vaughan with CCTV and other security devices, and hope these will allow him and his family to feel safe in their home."

The fire service has put extra smoke alarms in his house and fitted a fireproof letterbox.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating this incident and would urge anyone with information to contact PC Ben Gower on 01438 757029, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 55 111.