A TAXI driver is speaking out over a spate of break-ins leaving fellow drivers hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
Uber driver Ali Haydor says dozens of colleagues have been left out of work after having car windows smashed or doors broken.
He says between 20 and 30 vehicles parked outside drivers' homes in St Mary's, Northam, and city centre areas have been targeted by thieves in the past few months, forcing drivers to take time off to get their vehicles fixed.
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The GMB union rep said: "We have seen a lot of taxis and private hires being broken into in the last few months.
"Some of the cars have been left with broken windows or doors, leaving the drivers out of work and having to deal with large repair costs.
"They often miss out on working for at least two or three days to have their cars repaired before they can return to work.
"This means that not only are they losing repair money but also their daily earnings.
"It's affecting their lives and causing them a lot of inconvenience.
"And with the cost of living crisis, it's only going to get worse and worse.
"We ask drivers to follow police advice and report every incident."
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Inspector Brian Goodall from Hampshire Police said: "We understand the frustration that local taxi drivers in Southampton are facing after a spate of thefts or damage being caused to their vehicles; our main takeaway piece of advice is to not leave any valuables or cash inside their vehicles.
"In most cases, it appears that a window is smashed to gain entry before a search of the vehicle and glove box, where items are then subsequently stolen.
"We know how distressing these incidents can be for victims. It’s not simply a case of valuables being stolen or vehicles being damaged, but livelihoods being turned upside down as they are then off the road for a period of time while repairs are being conducted.
"These crimes can have an incredibly emotional impact on victims, especially in the current climate of financial challenge, alongside the effect they can have on people feeling safe in the wider local community.
"Our neighbourhood policing teams will always seek to establish if there are any patterns or links to any other similar incidents or people linked to these crimes in the area by reviewing reported incidents on a daily basis.
"This information that we gain from the local community about suspicious incidents is vital. It informs where we put our resources—every call helps our officers build up a bigger picture of the current landscape and possible impact on the wider community."
Anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity is urged to call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
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