Taxi Driver Robbed at Gunpoint

Driver Craig Smithson, 43, who works for Hudsons Taxis and lives on the Central Estate, was not harmed in the incident but was left badly shaken by his ordeal.

Dad-of-two Craig, who has been driving taxis for 18 years, said: “I just turned around and this lad has pointed a gun in my face.

“He opened the door and I just didn’t know what to do. I just froze. He took £40 and then just scarpered.

“I just want to get back to normal, but I know these kind of things always stay with you.

“I want to get back into the job, but no-one knows what it’s like being a taxi driver until you do it.

“These people are scum, but I won’t let them change my life.”
The police helicopter was scrambled and officers attending the scene made two arrests.

They are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Lee Rukin, from Hartlepool Police, said: “A taxi driver was approached by a young adult male, and threatened with what is suspected to be a gun.

“As a result of the threats he was robbed of cash and the offender made off.

“At present, police have made two arrests and these individuals are in police custody.

“The victim is not injured, although he was deeply shaken by the ordeal.
“We are now appealing for any witnesses or anyone in the area at the time to come forward.”

Police say a ball bearing gun was recovered from the scene and they take incidents involving guns very seriously.

Jill Clarke, a partner at Hudsons Taxis, said: “It’s the first time we have had a theft at gunpoint.

“We have had drivers with things being stolen before, but it seems to be getting worse.

“There are people stealing and doing runners without paying almost every day now, but this takes it to another level.

“Everyone is shocked and we feel very uncomfortable about what has happened.”

Anyone with any information is asked to ring Hartlepool Police on (01642) 302126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE

The incident, which happened at 10.55pm on Tuesday, in Taybrooke Avenue, Hartlepool, saw dad-of-two Mr Smithson, who has driven taxis for 18 years, left badly shaken but unharmed.

The police helicopter was scrambled and officers attending the scene made two arrests.

Detectives later recovered a ball-bearing gun at the scene.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with robbery, and was due to appear at Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court this morning.

A 19-year-old man also arrested after the incident was released without charge after being quizzed by detectives.

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