The cabbie, who does not want to be named, said windows are being caved in and tyres slashed by criminals.

He claimed the attacks are not just incidents of petty crime but instead a wider operation targeting taxis in Colchester.

The taxi driver, who has been ferrying customers about for almost 20 years, said drivers fear if they speak out they will have the licences revoked.

“It has happened in the Hythe, some in New Town and others in Shrub End and out to Stanway,” he said.

Cab - the taxi rank in Colchester High Street

“It is going to keep on going, I don’t see where it will stop. We’re just sticking a plaster over our vehicles and then getting done again.”

The cabbie said his windows have been smashed twice in the past three weeks, both times near Colchester North Railway Station.

Another colleague has been targeted five times in about the same timeframe, he claimed.

“There are Hackney Carriages being done, private hire taxis done. We’re losing a lot of money on repairs and being off the road,” he said.

Rank - taxis parked up in Colchester High Street (Image: Newsquest)

“We take our signs off but we still have yellow plates. We’ve been told to put up signs stating we keep no money inside our vehicles when parked.

“If you’re a career criminal and you see this then you’re probably going to try your luck anyway.”

He continued: “I stayed up for five nights and then had to go to work. I know once my taxi is off the road that’s it.

“The trouble is nobody knows about it other than taxi drivers.

Attacks - the cabbie claimed taxis are being targeted (Image: Newsquest)

“Everybody is too scared to speak out. They don’t want to lose their licences.”

Last week a 36-year-old woman was charged with 16 offences following an investigation into several vehicle break-ins.

The woman, of Colchester, was detained by Essex Police after bank cards were stolen from vehicles in the city and then used in nearby shops.

She is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on February 14.