A white Ford Mondeo taxi was stolen in Bideford and later involved in multiple crashes across North Devon, leaving a trail of destruction and triggering a police appeal for witnesses.
According to Devon & Cornwall Police, the incident began around 4.15pm on Sunday 26 October in the Geneva Court area of Bideford. The driver had reportedly picked up two men from Westward Ho! and taken them to an address in Bideford. After going inside to retrieve payment, the men failed to return.
When the taxi driver knocked on the door, he was threatened, and his vehicle was subsequently stolen and driven away at speed. The stolen Mondeo was then involved in several collisions on the A386 near Rakeham Hill, between Bideford and Torrington.
Police confirmed that a man in his 30s from the Bideford area was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and drink-driving. Officers are continuing enquiries to identify a second suspect believed to have been in the taxi at the time.
Devon & Cornwall Police are now appealing for witnesses and any dashcam, CCTV, or mobile footage that could assist their investigation. The reference for this case is 50250277004.
A police spokesperson said the investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact officers via the official website or by calling 101.
As reported by the North Devon Gazette, several vehicles were damaged before the taxi came to a halt. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported at this stage.
DM News commentary
This shocking event highlights the risks faced daily by taxi and private hire drivers, particularly those working alone or in rural areas. Incidents like this reinforce the need for driver safety measures such as dashcams, GPS tracking, and panic alert systems. It also raises questions about how licensing authorities and operators can better protect drivers from threats and thefts while on duty.
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