Fears over safety as woman is tricked by bogus taxi.

The 21-year-old was walking alone on Beverley Road in Hull at 2.30am last Sunday when she was approached by a dark coloured car, thought to be displaying taxi signage, and offered a lift by the man driving the car.

It is reported that after getting in the vehicle, the woman was reportedly inappropriately touched by the driver. She got out of the car and walked home.

Humberside Police said they were aware of incidents where unlicensed vehicles are travelling in and around Hull offering to take people home after a night out and have urged revellers to pre-book taxis to take them home at the end of a night out.

PC Julie Fenton, community police officer, said: "This is an extremely worrying trend which can put vulnerable people at risk of becoming victims of crime.

“When people have had a few drinks and it is cold they are desperate to get home as soon as possible. I’ve seen women flagging down vehicles asking them for lifts home and it’s really worrying.

“The passengers who get in these cars have no idea who the driver is and whether the vehicle is insured or roadworthy.

"My advice would be to book a taxi in advance or go to one of the hackney carriage ranks in the city. Many of the private hire companies now offer a texting service where they will send a text when your taxi has arrived and include the vehicle registration, make and model, to ensure you get safely into a licensed vehicle."

nyone that has any information relating to this incident is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference number 2252560 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.