Students warned of taxi risk
TWO attacks over the Christmas period have highlighted the dangers of bogus taxis.
Early on New Year's morning Sally Geeson was abducted in Cambridge town centre. The 22 year-old student is believed to have entered an unlicensed taxi on her own.
Her body was later found naked in a cemetery on the outskirts of the town.
The problem is not isolated to Cambridge, as there have been numerous incidents involving unlicensed cabs across the country.
Less than a month earlier a 19 year-old woman was sexually assaulted after hailing a fake taxi on St Giles.
Thames Valley Police are urging the public to take serious consideration of the dangers. According to a police spokesman: "A driver of a licensed taxi with official identification may cost a little more but the safety is worth the expense."
Students are advised to try to travel with friends and be responsible; especially with regards to drinking heavily.
In Oxford, students who need transport back to college after a night out have the option of using the Safety Bus, which services the ring road area.
Priority is given to women who are alone.
13th Jan 2005