Taxi drivers across Sheffield say they are being targeted almost every day by groups of youths throwing stones and other missiles at their vehicles, leaving dented panels and smashed windows in areas across the north of the city.
Driver Mohammad Shafiq told The Star that stones are thrown at his car regularly, and that despite repeatedly reporting incidents to South Yorkshire Police, nothing seems to change before it happens again. Fellow driver Muhammad Azhar said the problem is especially bad after school hours and during the summer holidays, with attackers frequently on bikes or electric scooters and gone before anyone can identify them. He said his own car has been left dented from stones, and that one passenger was nearly hit by a missile while travelling and called the police herself out of concern someone could be seriously hurt.
The worst-affected areas named by drivers include Parson Cross — particularly near Chaucer School and the local Farmfoods — along with Shiregreen, Southey Green and Woodthorpe. Some drivers say they now avoid these areas altogether during peak hours if they spot groups of youths gathered nearby.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed it received reports in February and March of youths throwing items at vehicles on Wordsworth Avenue, including one incident where a group reportedly tried to force cars to stop at traffic lights before targeting them. Officers said they have carried out CCTV trawls and local enquiries, but the suspects involved have not yet been identified, and a patrol plan remains in place in the affected areas.
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