Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 27 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many attacks on taxi drivers in North Belfast have been reported in the last year; and who was found to be responsible in each case.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many attacks on taxi drivers in North Belfast have been reported in the last year; and who was found to be responsible in each case. [211969] Mr. Pearson: Due to the nature of the statistics held by PSNI, it is not possible to ascertain how many specific attacks upon taxi drivers occurred between 1 January 2004 and 27 January 2005, as victims are not identified by occupation. However, the DCU Commander in North Belfast reports that between those dates 124 incidents involving taxis occurred. These incidents vary in nature and include incidents where persons run off without paying, as well as more serious offences such as assault and aggravated criminal damage. The vast majority of those incidents are unrelated to the recent series of attacks upon taxis and taxi drivers in North Belfast. The recent spate of attacks upon taxis in that area can be attributed to organized criminality with links both to the UVF and LVF. Since 1 December 2004, North Belfast DCU has recorded 12 incidents involving taxis. On three of those occasions a taxi driver was threatened. On 10 of those occasions a taxi has been set alight.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 211969; 430 c1063W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crimes against the person Crimes of violence Belfast Arson Taxis Violence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk