A RAMPAGE that saw more than 20 taxis in Accrington vandalised has left a damage bill of several thousand pounds.

The police were called yesterday morning after a group of 26 vehicles had their windows smashed at around 5am.

The cars were parked in Russia Street, Frederick Street and Swiss Street and valuables were also stolen from inside the taxis.

It comes after more than 50 vehicles from Joe Baxi’s, Max Cabs and Central Taxis have been broken into in ‘targeted attacks’ in the past few weeks.

Waheed Akhtar, chief executive for Joe Baxi’s, said that the vandalism had cost the business at least £2,000 during this time.

He said: “We know this has to be a targeted attack and so far I’d say there has been between 20 and 25 cars of ours that have been broken into.

“This has been happening for the last few weeks and we have easily taken more than £2,000 worth of damage to our taxis and loss of valuables.

“All of our drivers are informed to take all valuables with them but these attacks keep continuing and is costing the company money that should be going to our drivers and their families.”

Talib Zaman, owner of Max Cabs, said: “We found that we had 15 taxis damaged yesterday and it’s going to cost us at least £3,000 to fix the ones we have.

“I really believe that we need to be able to remove our taxi plates so we can’t get targeted, as this has definitely been a targeted attack.

“I spoke to our drivers and they have told me that people in masks have been running around Frederick Street all the way up to Charter Street looking for taxis to vandalise.

“We need help from the police or council to put an end to these attacks.”

Cllr Munsif Dad, who represents Accrington West on Lancashire County Council, said: “I can sympathise with the taxi drivers over these targeted attacks on their livelihoods.

“This has happened before and I do believe there must be a group of people that are targeting taxis as the drivers can sometimes forget to take all valuables with them from their vehicles.

“I am sure the police are looking into these incidents and looking at short and long term options to put an end to vandals stealing from people who are just trying to make a living.”

A police spokesman said: “We have had several reports concerning cars with broken windows.

“Our first report was at 5.10am that a silver Toyota on Swiss Street had been broken into.

“We had another report at 5.30am that more vehicles had their windows smashed on Russia Street as well.

“We ask all drivers to ensure they leave their vehicles with no valuables in sight to deter thieves.

“We are carrying on the investigations and we ask for anyone with information to come forward so we can put an end to these targeted crimes.”

Anyone who has any knowledge about these attacks is encouraged to contact Lancashire Constabulary quoting incident number 0211 of August 4.