Teenager jailed following spate of ‘horrifying’ taxi robberies in Birmingham

A teenager who carried out a spate of robberies, threatening and stealing from taxi drivers on three occasions, has been jailed.

Asif Khan, an 18-year-old from Alum Rock, was caught by police during the third robbery following an area search in Sheldon where he was located and arrested.

Khan began his targeting of taxi drivers on 6 July last year and again on 25 July 2019 when, on both occasions, he called a taxi to collect him from Star City.

Once dropped off, he threatened the driver and stole their takings.

On 27 July, Khan approached a taxi driver in Coventry and asked to be taken to Sheldon. After being dropped off, he reached through the driver’s window and grabbed his money box.

When the driver tried to stop him, Khan threatened him with a brick before smashing the car window and running off.

The victim flagged down a police car and following an area search, Khan was found and arrested nearby.

Khan pleaded guilty to robbery, two counts of theft, two counts of assault and criminal damage and was sentenced to three years in a young offenders Institution.

Detective Sergeant Tom Lyons, from Birmingham East CID, said: "This was a horrifying experience for the victims while going about their normal line of work.

“We are satisfied with the sentence and I hope it offers reassurance to taxi drivers that we will take action."

Image credit: West Midlands