A crackdown on illegal taxis in Islington in direct response to residents' concerns has resulted in 15 arrests.
The joint operation from Islington Council and Police targeted unlicensed operators in Upper Street and Farringdon.
Plainclothes and uniformed officers arrested 14 men for suspected taxi touting and insurance offences, and another man was arrested for possession of Class A drugs.
Vulnerable people who might be tempted to use unlicensed cabs were also given crime prevention advice during the operation on Saturday 6 March 2010.
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's executive member for environment, said: "This very successful operation came about directly in response to comments from local residents.
"Illegal taxis are very dangerous - you never know who is driving, or whether their car is even roadworthy. Rogue drivers be warned - there will be more crackdowns like this."
The operation was run by Clerkenwell Safer Neighbourhoods Team in partnership with the council.
Sergeant Anne French from Clerkenwell Safer Neighbourhoods Team, who set up the operation in response to local community concern, said: "We received complaints from residents and businesses about illegal taxi touts in Upper Street and Farringdon. I was particularly concerned about vulnerable females.
"This joint response with the Transport Occupational Command Unit (TOCU) and council demonstrates that illegal taxi touting is not acceptable in Islington.
"I would like to remind people of the dangers of getting into unlicensed cabs. Unless you're getting into a black cab, your taxi should always be pre-booked through a licensed minicab firm."
For more information about how you can check if your local cab firm or driver is licensed go to www.islington.gov.uk/safer
Page Last Updated: 18 March 2010