As we all know everything goes up at Christmas time, the price of turkey, alcohol and most distressingly the rate of crime. With so many social events on the December calendar the level of alcohol consumed inevitably rises. Boozy events come hand in hand with problematic nights for taxi drivers, which is something that needs to be addressed. Many have reported claims of vandalism and abuse, which have reportedly gone unentertained, leaving the figure of the taxi driver in a state of vulnerability. Queens Park ward councillor Mohammad Yasin says several taxi drivers have contacted him, illustrating the distress that the Christmas period has already put on them. Taxi driver’s love and hate the festive period simultaneously. Where is it is the time to generate the most income it also bears a dread as crime is so rife, especially targeted at this profession. It is for this reason that alterations have become a necessity; ensuring taxi drivers livelihood is protected. Cllr Yasin said: “In the last couple of weeks, at least 15 taxis have been broken into in Queen’s Park and more in other areas of Bedford. “It costs about £200 to replace one window of each taxi and a whole day’s work is lost while it is repaired. “Unfortunately, victims feel the police have not taken this matter seriously and the offenders are still at large looking for new victims. “I am asking the police to take quick and immediate action and arrest the offenders as the best place for them is behind bars.” But a Bedfordshire police spokeswoman said officers are tackling the car crime wave, going above and beyond to make sure all areas are safe at Christmas. She said: “Bedfordshire Police has received 21 reports of theft from motor vehicles in the Bedford and Kempston areas since the beginning of November. Each report has been recorded and is being taken seriously with an on-going investigation taking place. “During dark winter nights Bedfordshire Police often records a higher number of this type of crime as offenders use the hours of darkness to force entry in to vehicles having seen something of value through the windows. “We would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists not to leave valuables in their vehicles overnight; cash, clothing, sat nav mounts, mobiles and PDAs should be removed to deter thieves.”