Cherwell - Oxford University student newspaper

Oxford students have been warned against the dangers of taking unlicensed minicabs following news that two sex attacks have taken place in taxis in seven weeks.

Thames Valley Police have launched the “Get Home Safely” initiative to encourage students to plan their journey home from nights out. Last Friday and Saturday night police staff handed out taxi-shaped leaflets in the city centre with comprehensive instructions in order to raise awareness. 

The leaflets advise that the safest way of getting a taxi home is to save a number of a reputable firm on mobiles, and to hire a private car. They advise never to get into a private cab that has not been ordered, and go on to tell students to check the Hackney plates on the back of a black cab after it’s been flagged.

The first of the two attacks took place on 14 March, when a 17-year-old girl got in a black cab at Gloucester Green and asked to be taken to Jericho. As the driver reached the destination he sped off to an unknown location and forced her to perform a sexual act.
The second assault occurred on the 27 April when a 20-year-old man got in a car, which he believed to be a taxi, on Botley Road. He was taken to the Redbridge Park and Ride, where he was sexually assaulted.

Toby Shergold, a spokesperson from the Oxford branch of the Thames Valley Police, claimed that this issue is “very important for Oxford students.” He urged, “It is very important for [students] to look out for one another, especially after they’ve had a few drinks.”

Sally Gowland, an Oxford criminology student, agreed that the recent attacks highlight the necessity for a raised awareness. She stated, “The number of sex attacks and rapes in Oxford and the surrounding area is highly worrying. The recent attacks have shown that there needs to be greater awareness of the issues around sexual violence and female safety both within the public and private spheres.”

Sally added, “Women should be able to live in a world free from sexual violence and this is what organisations such as Rape Crisis England and Wales work hard to achieve.” However, the recent attacks have highlighted that men are also at risk of such attacks.

The Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre offers a confidential helpline for survivors of sexual abuse, and is contactable on 01865 726 295.

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