Sheffield motorists hit out at youths attacking cars across city
“We are simply hard-working people trying to earn an honest living, serve our local community, and keep vulnerable passengers safe”
Sheffield motorists have raised concerns over the number of cars and taxis being targeted by yobs hurling missiles on the city’s roads.
Last week, two taxi drivers from Sheffield spoke out about attacks they have experienced.
Mohammad Shafiq and Muhammad Azhar described repeated targeted attacks by groups of youths throwing stones at their vehicles.
Since then, dozens of Star readers responded, after experiencing the same issue.
Praveen Kumar said that the attacks are not limited to taxi drivers, with any car with open windows at risk.
He said: “It’s not just taxi drivers being targeted. Unfortunately, groups of youths across the city often see it as a joke to target any vehicle with an open window, spitting, throwing bottles or other objects and intimidating drivers.”
He added: “I’ve personally experienced two near-miss incidents myself, and I’m not even a taxi driver. This is a wider public safety issue that affects anyone on the road.”
Ahamed Nusry said that cyclists have also been victims of the attacks.
“I saw a group of kids on bicycles kick an elderly cyclist, causing him to fall, at around 12.05am on Attercliffe Road,” he said, while Salvador Goosedown added that driving instructors have experienced the same issue.
Passengers from the targeted vehicles described their own shocking experiences.
Carol Wright said: “Since Christmas I’ve been in taxis a couple of times where they have been attacked or had damage from previous attacks.
“I feel for the drivers, putting their lives and their passengers in danger just to do their job, and get us where we need to be.
“The first time was quite scary as two bricks hit the car.”
Several readers suggested drivers avoid the ‘hotspot’ areas, but this was met with protests from others who said this would unfairly affect innocent residents.
PJ Eriksen said: “Just refuse to go to their areas. When their parents and grandparents can’t get a taxi they will soon change their behaviour.”
“Just avoid the areas full stop and don’t pick up from the areas,” said Ady Ady.
Anne Marples said: “I know what you are saying, and partly agree, but what about people who need taxis to get to appointments?”
Maureen Compson Purrier added: “Do these youths not realise how important the taxis are to many people? I for one would be lost if they decided to stop serving these areas.”
Parental responsibility was also questioned, and some suggested that parents should be fined for their children’s behaviour.
Jonathan Andrew Lockwood said: “Where is the responsibility of the parents to know where their kids are?”
“Fine the parents then they will tell their children to stop throwing things,” said Qari Umar Naqshbandi.
Shahid Majeed Khan added: “If children are taught good values and proper morals at home, they are far less likely to engage in such behaviour.”
Messages of support were also shared to drivers.
Julie Naylor said: “We’ve had to use taxis frequently over the last couple of months and all the taxi drivers have been great. Some enlightening conversations, we’re all on the same wavelength. Just trying to do their job, to feed their families.”
Taxi driver Shafiq Ahmed thanked those who had shown support. He said: “Thank you to everyone who shared supportive words and noted their positive experiences with local taxi drivers. We are simply hard-working people trying to earn an honest living, serve our local community, and keep vulnerable passengers safe.”
He added: “Throwing stones at moving vehicles isn’t a victimless prank; it’s a dangerous crime that risks lives, regardless of who is behind the wheel.”
He said the issue was “a basic public safety issue” and urged victims to report incidents to police.
“When parents, police and the wider community work together to enforce accountability, our neighbourhoods become safer for everyone,” he said.