Met urge lone women only to use taxis that have been pre-booked

Lone women urged to use pre-booked cabs only

A warning has been issue by the police after two women were assaulted in Putney

The women were approached late at night on the High Street by a car the driver of which may have been claiming to be a mini-cab. When the victim is in the vehicle the driver stops the car and assaults her. The incidents took place at 12.10am on Sunday 11 August and 2.47am on Sunday 18 August. There was a third attack, which police believe may be linked, on Battersea Rise at 1.55am on Saturday, 3 August.

Police are urging women to only use mini-cabs that they have specifically booked when travelling home alone. They are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have encountered the suspect.

Detective Inspector Joanne Flynn, of the South West Command Unit’s CID, said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry, however, it is important that we make women aware that this predatory man is out there.

“Although none of the victims sustained serious injuries, they were, understandably, traumatised by the incidents.

“The vehicle may or may not be a genuine minicab. Please ensure that you only get into cabs that you have personally booked and if possible, don’t travel home alone.”

Anyone who has information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 0318262/19, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

August 23, 2019