A cabbie today demanded tough action against people caught carrying weapons because drivers are "working in fear" of being attacked.
Geoff Bradley, a cab driver in Castle Point for more than 13 years, says it is now commonplace for people, particularly youths, to carry weapons.
Cabbie call - Geoff Bradley wants more action against those carrying weapons Picture: DAVE HENDERSON
He described how the front window of his taxi was smashed by a woman brandishing a hammer in broad daylight on Canvey's one-way system just before Christmas.
The 49-year old also told of an incident where a drunk youth staggered off the kerb and collided with a taxi, the driver of which was astonished to see a foot-long machete fall from his pocket.
Mr Bradley said: "The police were called to the incident and tried to question the group of youths that had been with the teenager about why he had a machete but gave up after getting a barrage of abuse."
Sgt Kevin Diable-White said: "Police take all reports of persons carrying offensive weapons seriously.
"We urge members of the public to report all such incidents and any persons caught in possession of an offensive weapon will be liable to arrest and prosecution."
Published Thursday, January 23, 2003
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