Police ask taxi drivers to flag up teen parties

DUNDEE taxi drivers are being urged t o i nform police if they drop teenagers off at house parties following a series of alleged violent crimes.

A letter sent to taxi firms asked that drivers notify Police Scotland of any suspected parties and report passengers if they think they are drunk or on drugs.

However, some taxi drivers have disagreed with what police are asking of them.

The force says it is asking cabbies to be their eyes and ears following a number of alleged crimes in Dundee in recent weeks.

A 17-year-old youth remains in a serious condition in Ninewells Hospital after he was found unconscious in Adelaide Place just before Christmas.

Two 15-year-old boys were charged in connection with the incident.

And earlier this week, three teenagers appeared in court in connection with the death of 50-year-old John Watt, who was found injured in Albert Street on Sunday morning.

Cabbies are being asked to take note of any information that could be helpful to police, such as the number of people at the party, whether or not they appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they are carrying alcohol.

Drivers do not have to remain at the address but can i nstead provide the information to their control centre, who will then contact Police Scotland’s nonemergency line.

The letter said the force is aware of “where most house parties occur” and says these are monitored.

However, it said “new locations are frequently used and any assistance you can provide will assist police in taking enforcement action, ensuring public safety”.

Qaiser Habib, the director of Dundee City Taxis and a member of the city’s council and taxi liaison board, said it was not the role of drivers to monitor fares and it was not part of the operating conditions of being a licensed driver either.

He said: “We cannot guess what people are up to once they leave the taxi and it is not our job to do so.”