Eight sex attacks a month in London minicabs

Eight women are sexually attacked by minicab drivers, some of them unlicensed, every month in London, according to figures released today.

The Met recorded 93 minicab-related sexual offences in 2008-9, although that was down from 120 the previous year.

The number of women using illegal cabs has also fallen from one in five in 2003 to fewer than one in 20. A new cinema, TV and poster campaign has been launched urging women to use official minicabs or black cabs during the Christmas party season.

Police will also target touting hotspots and illegal cab drivers.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said a significant number of younger women still use illegal cabs. He said: "It is hugely important that everyone takes this message on board - minicabs that haven't been booked are illegal and a threat to your personal safety. Don't take the risk. Save the Cabwise text number, 60835, in your phone and use it."

It is illegal for any minicab to carry out a journey that has not been booked. Police said booking guarantees a trip will be with a licensed driver and a record of your journey is kept.

Steve Burton, of TfL, said: "Only black cabs can be stopped and picked up off the street without being booked."