Runners (Make of without payment)

 Another constant issue facing drivers (and operators) is the problem of "runners" (make off without payments). The usual senario results in the driver just clearing himself then complaining to the operator come rent day.
 Obviously this helps no-one, with such a time delay the operator can do little but barr the address. But this is not the only solution. Under the "Theft Act" the non-payment of goods or services is classed as theft and as such a police and legal matter. This includes the non-payment of a taxi fare (a service has be provided after all). The police are legally required to investigate the matter and if needed prosecute.
  So how do you go about getting it sorted?
(1) By phone - call the non-emergency west yorkshire switch board on 101 have a pen and paper handy as you will be guven a crime number, you'll need this number to follow up if needed.
(2) In person - go to your nearest police station and report the crime, remember to have all relevant information with you. (A point of note - we have found that some stations/officers will try to discard the matter by telling a driver "It's a civil matter and they can't do anything". As mentioned above it is a crime under the theft act. Politly remind the officer of this, this usually changes their response. If not don't get upset simply ask the officer for their name and badge number. Again this quickly changes their attitude. Again make sure you have have a pen and paper with you to record anything you might need to.
(3) Online - visit the west yorkshire police website and fill out the online crime report form

After reporting it to the police report it to your base so that your collegues don't have the same problem.

Summary

• Report to police, be polite and have as much information as possible
• Be patient, and responsible when reporting
• Report as near to the time of the event (don't wait a week to report it)
• Inform your operator, ask them to ban the address, pass crime number and relevant information to them when you can

• Patiently wait for a response, don't expect an instant response. As a rule of thumb it will take 3/4 days for the police to follow up on it. We have seen cases where it has been sorted within an hour, but also cases where it was never resolved. Rest assured however the police will do everything they can.

Always report runners, don't let them get away with yours and your collegues money.