Specials lead taxi touting operation

MSC officers from Safer Transport Command Operational Support Group (STC OSG) recently led Operation Mildew to tackle taxi touting in the West End.

The operation, which was planned by S/Sgt Michael Milner from the STC OSG, saw officers deployed in plain clothes in and around the Soho areas focusing on LGBT venues. Mobile support was provided by STC’s Road Response Specials in unmarked cars.

The first two nights of the operation were supported by regular STC Cabs Enforcement Unit officers, helping MSC colleagues learn specialist tradecraft to tackle taxi touting. On the final day of the operation the MSC deployed with minimal regular support helping to demonstrate the highest levels of self-sufficiency and competency.

SC Ferdi Lashari was one of the arresting MSC officers, identifying and apprehending a taxi tout following a foot chase in Charing Cross Road. The officer subsequently booked the suspect into custody, interviewed and charged him.

As a result of the three night operation, a total of 11 arrests were made, 10 of which were for taxi touting and no insurance offences. Most impressively seven of the suspected touts were arrested and processed by STC MSC Officers who also conducted required interviews and charge procedures themselves with minimal assistance.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport Command said: “This was an outstanding operation by the STC Specials and their professionalism gained an excellent result.

“They are an invaluable resource in policing London’s transport network and are a credit to the Command.”

S/PS Michael Milner said: "It was really satisfying for the MSC to take the lead on an operation of this kind. Everyone who took part came away feeling extremely proud in the knowledge they had taken so many illegal taxi touts off the street".

Superintendent Alan Horton, MSC and Volunteers OCU Deputy Commander, said: “Operation Mildew is an example of the variety of police work that Specials can get involved in. When we arrest those who drive without insurance or taxi tout, we sometimes find that we have prevented more serious crimes from being committed. I hope that those taking part in this operation were able to gather valuable evidence as they work towards Independent Patrol Status.”

The STC Operational Support Group is a multi-functional team of MSC officers supported by dedicated regular staff. The unit can offer midweek duties to help staff achieve Independent Patrol Status with traditional Friday and Saturday shifts tasked in line with emerging crime and disorder trends. OSG staff can benefit from additional training including Level 4 driving, cycling, plain clothes and cabs enforcement skills and on-bus officer safety training.

The STC OSG, supported by Westminster Borough, currently has vacancies at both its Palestra (Southwark/Waterloo) and Kings Cross bases for new and existing MSC officers.