Taxi drivers in Eccles are being told be on their guard after a spate of overnight thefts from parked cars in the local area.
Both private hire and hackney cabs have been hit in the Hampden Grove and Irwell Grove areas, with cash and expensive sat nav equipment stolen.
Stuart Ryan, a Hackney cab driver, told SalfordOnline.com. “My cab was parked outside my house on Oxford Street, Eccles on Sunday 22 November when I discovered that thieves had smashed the drivers side window and stolen my sat nav.
“There was also and loose change from the foot well amounting to about £16.
“I usually take my sat nav in the house with me but on this occasion I left it in the cab.
“When they ripped the cables out it triggered a warning to my company that it had been removed, so we can pinpoint the theft to 3.30am that morning.”
More drivers in Eccles are coming forward to tell that their vehicles had been targeted.
Stuart said: “Each time the window is shattered and the thieves grab what they can, usually the sat nav, and loose change, one even stole some cigarettes out of one cab, that’s how low they are.
“It’s frustrating to say the least. We are all self employed and can’t lose afford to lose a day’s pay as we get our vehicle repaired – we have to pay if we work or not and the insurance premium also goes up accordingly.
“I would ask all cab drivers to extra vigilant when they park up and take all valuables out of their vehicles.”
Greater Manchester Police have been informed on each occasion when a cab has been broken into and enquiries are continuing.
