Newcastle Taxi Drivers Protected After Criminal's Jail Sentence and Ban

A prolific offender who repeatedly targeted taxi drivers in Newcastle has been jailed and banned from entering certain areas. The criminal, Tony Hall, carried out numerous attacks on taxis and other vehicles in the city’s Heaton, Jesmond, Fenham, and West End areas. Hall’s actions involved smashing windows and stealing items from cars, which resulted in considerable repair bills for taxi drivers and businesses. This pattern of criminal activity highlights the ongoing risks faced by taxi drivers, similar to a recent case where five individuals were arrested in a 30-year-old cold case murder of a taxi driver in the UK.

Northumbria Police conducted an extensive investigation into Hall’s criminal activities, working closely with Newcastle City Council’s licensing department and meeting with local taxi drivers. As part of the investigation, officers also provided crime prevention advice to the city’s taxi community to help safeguard vehicles against further damage. Additionally, the police collaborated with the Probation Service and a housing charity in an effort to reduce Hall’s offenses.

Following a thorough investigation, officers applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against Hall. The CBO was granted by North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court during a hearing on March 20. Hall, 36, was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison after admitting to charges of theft, fraud, and possession of crack cocaine. The court imposed the CBO, which prohibits Hall from entering Heaton and Jesmond for the next two years upon his release from prison.

Hall is also restricted from appearing in public with his face covered and is prohibited from touching any vehicle without permission. Furthermore, he is banned from carrying wood, stones, or sticks in public to prevent him from smashing windows. If Hall violates any of the terms of the CBO, he risks being arrested and potentially serving another custodial sentence.

Inspector Anita Morgan, of Northumbria Police’s Newcastle Area Command, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. She commented:

"We are very pleased to have secured this order against Tony Hall, who has persistently offended in the city. He has caused misery for a number of victims which is why we have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into his criminality."

Inspector Morgan emphasized that Hall had exhausted all chances to reform and had continued to disrupt the community despite numerous opportunities for rehabilitation. She further added:

"To put it bluntly, he has completely exhausted all chances he has been offered to turn this behaviour around. Instead of taking the opportunities presented to him to work with ourselves and partners, Hall has continued to cause a nuisance and repeatedly break the law – at the expense of residents and businesses."

The investigation has also brought attention to the importance of vehicle security. Inspector Morgan urged the public to always lock their vehicles and remove valuables to deter opportunistic thieves. She encouraged anyone who suspects criminal activity to report it, stating:

"If you have been a victim of crime or have information about suspicious activity, please let us know so that we can build on our intelligence picture and take the appropriate action."

Members of the public can report crime or suspicious activity by sending a direct message to Northumbria Police on social media, using the live chat feature on the Force website, or calling 101. In emergencies, or if a crime is taking place, individuals are encouraged to dial 999 immediately.