Thug Jailed for Knife Threat Attempted Robbery on Teen Taxi Driver
Volkan Cara Ertas Caught in Taxi Scam
Volkan Cara Ertas, 28, was locked up for four years and four months at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 November 2022. The no-fixed-abode crook was found guilty of attempting to rob a 17-year-old who was offering unofficial taxi rides in Bournemouth and Poole.
Fake Fare Demand Turns Threatening
On the evening of Sunday 23 January 2022, Ertas contacted the youngster through a Facebook group, pretending to be a customer. He arranged a pickup at Wallisdown at 7.45pm, then made his victim drive to multiple locations. When the fare discussion turned sour, Ertas demanded the teen’s bank details, claiming his cousin had deposited £200. He insisted £30 was for the ride and threatened that the remaining £170 needed to be withdrawn and handed over.
Knife Threat and Narrow Escape
The victim questioned the claim, sparking Ertas’ anger. The thug pulled up his waistband, hinting he had a knife. The teen attempted to withdraw the money at an ATM but failed. He called a friend nearby for help. When the friend confronted Ertas, the crook fled the scene.
Police Track Down Offender
CCTV and dashcam footage helped Dorset Police identify and arrest Ertas. Along with his jail sentence, he’s slapped with a 10-year restraining order banning contact with his victim.
Detective Constable Christian Bryant said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the young victim in this case and I am pleased that through our investigative work we were able to identify the offender responsible and bring him before the court.”
