London cab fleet left in disarray after thieves steal catalytic converters from multiple taxis

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Catalytic converter thieves have struck again, this time stealing from a London taxi fleet and leaving the company in financial disarray.

A & S Services, who have been operating for 45 years, have told TaxiPoint that 7 catalytic converters were stolen during the incident, with a number of others left behind, probably because the thieves were unable to carry them.

Stephanie Prayer, from A & S Services, said: “During the day of the incident, a van came to the yard with Albanian number plates, looking for scrap. They were very insistent and didn't want to leave. Both Arnie (also of A & S Services) and I, think they were casing the yard. The registration number has been given to the police.

“They stole 7 converters off the cabs in the yard and the remainder they obviously couldn't carry. We're pretty sure they're going to come back for these although they won't be able to get them now.

“Unfortunately, because the cabs weren't being rented out at the time they were not insured on our usual fleet policy. However, they were covered under our garage policy but the insurance company are now saying that despite this being one claim they are going to charge us £500 excess per cab! What can we do? we can't afford to replace these ourselves and at least part of the cost will be met from the insurance.

“We have been close to the brink and were seeing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and feeling like things were gradually taking a turn for the better with more cabs going out although we are still only charging lower rent for our drivers.”

Stephanie went on to point out all the good work the firm has contributed to over the years, including donating money to worthy causes such as UTAG, Taxi Charity, and East London Cab Drivers who run the Malden outing.

Arnie, who still holds a London taxi licence, and Stephanie both say they have been devastated by the incident which has capped off the worst year they’ve ever know since business started.