An illegal cab driver’s car has been crushed as Transport for London steps up its war on touts.

The crushing coincides with a police crackdown on the practice across London over Christmas.

In Croydon the local Safer Transport Team will be carrying out extra patrols in the borough in the run up to Christmas.

Officers will be handing out Cabwise leaflets to people coming out of bars and clubs late at night and also carrying out checks on minicabs and ensuring that illegal touts are not operating in Croydon.

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse, said: "With the festive party season underway and the nights growing colder and darker we are doing everything we can to crack down on illegal minicab touts and to warn passengers never to pick up an unbooked minicab in the street."

It is illegal for any minicab driver (even drivers licensed by TfL) to accept a fare without a booking made either over the phone, by email or at an office.

Booking a minicab will ensure that there is a record of the journey and it will be carried out by a licensed driver in a licensed, insured car.