A TEENAGER WILL appear at the Dublin Children’s Court this morning charged in relation the hijacking of a taxi in Terenure on Sunday.
The taxi had stopped for a fare on Terenure Road North, when the 15-year-old boy got into the taxi and threatened the taxi driver with a knife, demanded money and instructed the taxi driver to exit the car.
The teenager then drove off in the car in the direction of the city, however it then collided with another car on Old Cabra Road in Dublin 7. He attempted to flee the scene but was caught by gardaí.
He was then taken to Rathmines Garda station for questioning.
Taxi drivers
John Usher, President of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation told TheJournal.ie that “all a taxi driver wants to do is go out and earn a living and return home safely to his or her family,” he said.
Usher said that they are concerned about the increase in these sorts of crimes, stating that it is not just a problem for Dublin but nationwide.
“We are advising taxi drivers to be vigilant at all times – from the time they head out to work to the time of their return,” he said.
“The issue with these sorts of crimes is that it has a devastating affect on drivers, their families and their livlihood as we see that many drivers simply shy away from the industry and question should they be in the job after crimes take place,” said Usher.
This incident in Terenure is just the latest carjacking crime to take place.
Last week, a heavily pregnant woman was injured in a carjacking near Mountjoy Square.
Driver safety
The gardaí are also advising drivers to be extra vigilant stating that while these crimes are “relatively rare” there are a number of things people can do to be more safe while in their car.
“We would urge drivers to be aware of their surroundings when in their vehicle. While many cars have central locking once the car is turned on, others do not, so we would advise people to lock the doors when they are in the car,” said the gardaí.
They said that drivers should be extra vigilant when stopped at traffic lights and should not rest valubles on the passenger seat next to them as they could be accessible if the car door is opened.
The gardaí also said drivers should use their horn to sound an alert if a carjacking takes place.
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