London cabbies warn fellow taxi drivers over latest distraction thefts hitting St Pancras Eurostar set-down
- Perry Richardson
- 26 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers are warning fellow cabbies to be on heightened alert at the St Pancras Eurostar set-down area following a reported theft incident involving distraction tactics during the morning peak.
According to an account shared within the trade, the incident occurred at around 9.30am when a licensed taxi dropped passengers at the Eurostar entrance at St Pancras International. While the driver exited the vehicle to assist with luggage, a group of thieves were allegedly operating within the set-down zone, targeting unattended bags.
The driver reported that one individual deliberately attempted to distract him by repeatedly asking whether the cab was “taxi for hire”. At the same time, two passenger bags were taken from the immediate area. The tactic relied on diverting the driver’s attention while luggage was being handled outside the vehicle.
The passengers were able to recover their bags shortly afterwards. The driver then drove around the surrounding streets, located the suspected offenders, detained one individual and contacted police. Officers attended and arrested a suspect, with CCTV footage from the area subsequently reviewed as part of the investigation.
Trade sources say bag thefts are increasing around the St Pancras and King’s Cross stations, with drivers targeted while assisting passengers
Police reportedly advised the driver that bag theft is currently a significant and ongoing problem in the wider King’s Cross and St Pancras area, particularly in busy forecourt and set-down locations where drivers routinely leave vehicles to assist passengers.
Trade representatives say the incident highlights a growing risk for drivers performing customer service duties such as helping with luggage, particularly at major rail terminals handling international and long-distance travellers.
Drivers are being urged informally within the trade to remain vigilant when exiting their vehicles at the Eurostar entrance and to be cautious of unsolicited approaches designed to divert attention.
