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Guernsey Police is investigating "two serious" cases linked to the use of 'Facebook taxis' with officers doing random spot checks over the weekend to ensure people heading home from a night out were doing so safely.
Bailiwick Law Enforcement issued a warning they would be doing so ahead of the weekend, reminding people "about the risks of using ‘Facebook taxis’ or an unlicensed driver you do not know".
The reminder warned people that "we are very fortunate to live in a very safe community in Guernsey, however there is always someone who may have malicious intentions."
With night bus fares rising to £5 per person from today, and often long queues at the taxi rank at the Weighbridge, Guernsey Police want to encourage people to think carefully about how they get home, whether that be a lift through a friend or via licensed public transport.
"The majority of drivers offering Facebook taxis are not licensed, so even if they are providing the lift with good intentions, if there was an accident, there would no insurance cover," warned BLE.
"To try and support this message, officers are currently undertaking Operation Wigan, which will see us checking in with people catching lifts to ensure they know the driver and are not being taken advantage of. Of course, it is perfectly legal to catch a lift with a friend or a family member, and it is of course better to get a lift than drink-drive, but we want to make sure everyone in Guernsey can enjoy a night out and then get home safely at the end of it."
The Bailiwick of Guernsey Victim Support and Witness Service welcomed the focus on unlicensed lifts saying: "Please always plan ahead for your night out.
"Make sure you have a safe, reliable way of returning home. Use licensed taxis, buses and travel with friends and family if possible."
Pictured: The Guernsey Lifts Facebook page which has been active over the weekend.
A Facebook group dedicated to offering and sharing lifts home in Guernsey has more than three thousand members.
The group has recently been active, with messages posted throughout the weekend with people offering and asking for lifts, including sharing addresses publicly.
The lifts requested included between the Bridge and Town and longer distances.
The group was also used yesterday with people asking for lifts to Guernsey Airport.
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