GUNNEDAH police say the recent decision to reduce taxi services in the township could impact the frail and disabled and result in increased crime.
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Gunnedah Taxis and Cabs owner Jason Bush announced earlier this week the service would be heavily reduced on Friday and Saturday nights due to difficulty keeping drivers in the area because of "the attitude of some people in the community".
He said ongoing issues related to alcohol and drug related violence, such as verbal and physical abuse, damage to the taxi vehicles, general disrespect towards drivers and non-payment of fares, is pushing drivers away.
Gunnedah Police Inspector Michael Wurth said police are aware of the issue and it is one that has been raised several times over the last year or so.
He said reduced taxi services are a concern for a number of reasons.
"It reduces the available public transport options for members of the community including those that are frail, suffering from medical ailments, have a disability that prohibits them from driving along with others that rely on this mode of transport to attend medical, family and business appointments," he said.
"The reduction of operations may also impact on the financial security of the owner and their employees.
"Any reduction of this public transport service does also raise concerns in relation to increased crime including drink/drug driving, property damage and assault particularly around licenced premises."
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Taxi owner Jason Bush said these issues are also at the forefront of his mind and are the reason his business is still running today.
Inspector Wurth encouraged all members of the community, whether as a business owner or an individual, to report incidents of crime to police.
"By doing so allows police to build a picture of increases in crime, the types of offences being committed and where they are being committed in addition to investigating incidents," he said.
"Incidents of crime, other than in urgent circumstances can be reported to PoliceLink (131444) or https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/
"Information on criminals or criminal activity can be reported to CrimeStoppers (1800333000). In urgent circumstances call Triple 0.
"As always, all matters relating to crime can be reported to your local police station."