Spree of taxi cab robberies prompts police to ask for help
By Castlegar Source
Five robberies of cab drivers have police asking for public help in catching the suspects, according to a press release issued today by RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr.
Surrey RCMP’s Robbery Unit is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in a series of taxi cab robberies that occurred this past month.
Since April 3, Surrey RCMP has responded to five separate robberies of taxi cab drivers within the Guildford area of Surrey. Although investigators have not been able to conclusively link these incidents together, the method of how the robberies are being committed is similar. On all occasions, the taxi drivers were lured by unknown persons to non-existent addresses and then robbed at knife point of their money and personal belongings when they arrived in the area. Thankfully, only two minor injuries have been reported.
“Police are concerned that the perpetrators’ behaviour will escalate,” says Cpl. Scotty Schumann. “Not only is the threat of violence worrisome, but these hard working drivers can lose a substantial amount of wages due to a robbery. The Surrey RCMP has warned local taxi cab operators to be more diligent regarding personal safety and is now reaching out for public assistance in capturing the suspects.”
The suspects have used disguises to conceal their identities, however, they have been described as:
· Suspect #1: Black male, approximately 5’9” to 6’0” tall, muscular build;
· Suspect #2: Caucasian male, 5’10” to 6’2” tall, approximately 28 to 30 years old, slim build, possibly with short, brown hair and a short, brown beard, wearing a black sweatshirt with brown elbow patches and red pajama pants;
· Suspect #3: Caucasian female, 5’5” to 5’7” tall, approximately 30 years old, medium build, brown, mid back length hair, black clothing.
Investigators continue to follow-up with potential witnesses and review video surveillance footage along with crime analyst reports to identify possible persons of interest.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
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