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A man who turned his mobility scooter into a taxi service for late-night revellers has left local taxi drivers fuming.

Residents have reported the man often seen in the area around Debenhams in Torquay from around midnight onwards, charging drinkers for a ride between pubs or for a lift home.

One taxi driver - who wished to remain anonymous - said he had seen 'about five people hanging off the side' at times.

But his antics have also caused anger, with one cabbie accusing him of flouting rules by not having a licence, insurance or a safe vehicle.

"You see it zooming around the harbour area and Debenhams, charging around with flashing lights on - it has to be seen to be believed," said the angry driver.

"I saw about five people hanging off the side of it once. It is only supposed to take one person.

"I think he has put a mattress on it and he goes around from pub to pub picking up people and dropping them off. He charges for it too.

"He's been doing it for a couple of months now. You see people jumping on it and hanging off the side. It's incredible.

"It goes around 20mph and I bet he doesn't have a licence. It is totally illegal."

People outside London must apply to their local council for a licence to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle.

They must be able to work legally in the UK, and have held a full GB or Northern Ireland driving licence - or a full EU driving licence - for at least a year.

Applicants must also be a ‘fit and proper person’ - which means their background and character will be checked.

The council may carry out an enhanced criminal records check, while applicants may also need a medical examination, a ‘knowledge’ test and even another a driving test.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe While vehicles and their technology systems have become smarter over the years, vehicle crime continues to be one of the most well reported instances of police recorded crime in the UK. Along with calling for a taxi home, there are a whole host of inconveniences to consider when it comes to having your car stolen: extra time and expense for excursions, loss of personal possessions and identity fraud could be among the worst outcomes. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to keep your vehicle safe. Here’s our pick of the most effective. Park securely At home Driveways and garages are the most secure places to park your car. However, there are plenty of extra measures you can take to ensure your vehicle is safe: Drive forwards onto your driveway or garage. This deters criminals looking to get away speedily.

Park as close to the house as possible. Criminals are less likely to approach a car that can be seen easily.

Park in line with a large window. Open spaces are likely to deter criminals. In a car park It may take longer to manoeuvre, but try to park close to other cars. When you isolate your vehicle, thieves are less exposed to passers-by and, in turn, are more likely to take their opportunity. Another parking top tip is to turn your wheels towards surrounding vehicles in a car park, or to turn them towards the kerb if you are parked on the road; this deters criminals looking for an easy getaway. On the road If you are leaving your vehicle on a main road, try to park it under street lamps. This way, if the sun dips or you are away from your car for longer than expected, the area is well lit and criminals are less likely to linger. If you are parking outside a café or restaurant, try to park where there is a window. You don’t necessarily need to be the one keeping an eye on it, but criminals may be more hesitant to approach your vehicle if customers are in view. Can’t decide where you should be parking your car? Try using Park Smart, the easy way to find car crime rates in areas nearest to you. Hide valuables It may seem obvious, but many car thefts occur when belongings are left in view. Valuables, such as satnavs, mobile phones, wallets and cash, should be tucked out of sight. This also includes any ‘residue’ left over from valuables, including ring marks from satnavs, mobile phone packaging, or coins. It is also a good idea to keep bags and coats out of sight, as criminals could mistake them for concealing valuables. Also remember to remove any paperwork including your name and address, as criminals could use this information for identity theft. Place car keys wisely When you are at home, avoid leaving keys near doors, open windows, or in a place they can be seen easily. A top tip is to keep them out of reach of the letterbox, as criminals can fish through with hooked wire and snatch the keys from the inside. Show signs of security Extra signs of security are a good idea if you are leaving your vehicle unattended. Installing a tracker will help police locate your car if the worst should happen. Additional measures, such as adding steering wheel locks and warning stickers, will help deter criminals looking for an easy ride.

"I know it sounds sad me saying all of this but it is only a matter of time before someone falls off or gets hurt," continued the angry local taxi driver.

"He is not a taxi but he has a taxi sign on it, I don’t think he has a licence and i’ll be he doesn’t have insurance either.

"We have to pay for licensing and things like that. Complaints have been made by other drivers but nobody has done anything about it.

"If they're not going to do anything then I might as well get one myself!"