There are lots of horror stories of young women and men being attacked and robbed by illegal minicab drivers. These harrowing assaults not only occur in big cities but also in small towns across the world. Here is an important guide you can pass on to friends and family which will protect and hopefully prevent them from being the next victim in the local newspaper.

Before entering a taxi or minicab you should look out for several things to make sure they are legal and reputable.

A taxi is a purpose built vehicle which will usually be distinctive in look and colour. They are highly regulated and should show their taxi license plate at the rear of the vehicle. A private hire car or minicab usually looks like a standard car, but should clearly display a special disc in the windscreen and on the rear window which identifies their license status.

Special Guidelines for Women Travelling Alone

Many of the stories reported in the news covering horrifying attacks usually involve young women travelling alone late at night. The below guidelines are set out to try and spot and prevent danger.

• If you have a camera phone try to take a picture of the number plate

• Do not get in to a vehicle unless you see a minicab or taxi license

• Never get into the front of the vehicle

• When travelling in the vehicle always hold your phone in your hand or try to make a call to someone

• Stay alert and be aware of where they are driving

• If you are booking a minicab ask for the drivers name and make of car

Other Important Signs to Look Out For

• Never get into a car if the driver seems under the influence

• If the driver does not know the local area

• If the car appears to be too old to be a minicab or is poorly maintained

Un-licensed minicabs are well-known for illegally touting for business and will often approach people on the street. To be safe always book a cab from a licensed operator or use a marshalled taxi rank if one is located nearby.

Why use a licensed minicab or taxi?

In order for a minicab or taxi driver to obtain a license they must pass a number of checks to ensure the safety of their passengers. The local authorities will run criminal, insurance and medical checks and also test their local area knowledge. Their vehicles will also be regulated so that they can safely transport the general public. Un-licensed drivers do not have to pass any such checks, which make them dangerous to the public and very hard to trace.

Using Cabs and Taxis in London

London has incorporated a number of services to ensure public carriage safety. You can text 'home' to 60835 which will bring back a list of local authorised operators in your area. You can also visit the TFL website to locate a Marshalled Taxi rank. If you want to make a complaint or check if a taxi or London minicab is licensed you can contact the Public Carriage Office via their website.

Travelling by minicab or taxi is not usually dangerous however it is important to be careful and vigilant.