A taxi driver sustained serious head injuries following a robbery of his car at Rutland Grove in Crumlin over the bank holiday weekend.
The 59-year-old driver was severely assaulted by a group of youths after driving them to Crumlin from the city centre.
The taxi driver’s phone, dashcam and a sum of cash were stolen during the incident. It is understood the group attempted to rob the car, but were unable to successfully start it.
The driver was taken to St James’s Hospital for treatment for serious head and facial injuries, with his injuries not believed to be life-threatening. At time of publication, the driver remained in hospital.
In response to the incident, two males and two females – all aged in their late teens and early 20s – were arrested on Sundrive Road following the incident.
Gardai are believed to suspect that the attack was a premeditated crime, as none of the suspects are from the locality.
The assault and robbery mark the latest in a line of assaults and incidents in Dublin for taxi drivers, with drivers sharing information about same on a popular Facebook page for taxi drivers.
In the past week, robberies were reported in Swords, Palmerstown and Tallaght on the page, where taxi windows were smashed, and equipment or cash was stolen.
Many drivers have referenced individuals targeting taxis in particular and have encouraged fellow drivers to keep their cars clear of any potential desirables for opportunists to target, including coin holders and phones.
In response to the Crumlin incident, one driver said: “An example has to be made before a taxi driver gets badly injured. [We’re] only out there to earn a living, very sad.”
Another driver suggested adopting a law currently in place in New York, where an assault on a taxi driver is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Headlines were also made across the country following the racially charged assault of a taxi driver last week.
It is understood that the National Transport Authority, in conjunction with the Irish Taxi Driver Federation, are to launch a social media and ad campaign highlighting the importance of respecting drivers in the coming weeks.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sundrive Road Garda Station at 01 666 6600, or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
