Malaga Taxi Drivers Under Siege After String of Armed Robberies

Recent Attacks Spark Alarm Among Malaga's Taxi Community

Malaga's taxi drivers are expressing significant alarm following a series of armed robberies, with two incidents occurring in less than a week and a total of three reported within the last two weeks. These attacks have primarily targeted drivers in the Palma-Palmilla barrio, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures and institutional support.

Details of the Assaults

The method employed by the perpetrators involves 'fake customers' requesting rides to the Palma-Palmilla district. Upon arrival, these individuals, often described as young men, proceed to rob the drivers. In recent incidents, drivers have been threatened with firearms and large knives. One driver reported being punched, though fortunately did not require hospitalization. The criminals reportedly had their faces covered during the assaults. The National Police are currently investigating these three robberies, noting that the modus operandi and location suggest the same individuals may be responsible.

Drivers Plead for Protection and Support

The escalating violence has left the taxi community 'up in arms,' with drivers highlighting the psychological toll of working 'alone, at night and in vulnerable conditions.' A spokesperson articulated the fear, stating, 'When a customer gets in and says they're going to a socially isolated area, our bodies tense up, especially if they then point a gun at us.'

In response to these threats, taxi associations such as The Costa del Sol Taxi Confederation and the Malaga Unified Association of Self-Employed Taxi Drivers (Aumat) have appealed to local authorities for assistance. Their key demands include:

• Financial support for the installation of surveillance cameras in vehicles, with each unit costing approximately €800 to €1,000.
• Increased police protection in vulnerable areas.
• Overall institutional support to address the security concerns within the sector.

Ongoing Investigation

The National Police have launched an investigation into the three recent robberies. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for these violent acts that have disrupted the safety and livelihoods of Malaga's taxi drivers.