TAXI passengers are being warned to avoid getting into unlicensed cars after a spate of incidents across Middlesbrough - including one case of rape.

The advice comes from Middlesbrough Council and has the backing of the Hackney Association and the police.

Detectives are still hunting two rapists who attacked a woman after offering her a lift home from the town and they believe the attackers may have struck before.

The men raped the 25-year-old victim after driving her to a deserted farm track at Butterwick, near Sedgefield, in the early hours of April 26.

Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety, said: "The main thing to remember is never to get into a 'pirate' or unlicensed car. These cars have not been safety checked and are driven by unlicensed drivers.

"People often use taxis after having a drink and are therefore vulnerable to unscrupulous unlicensed drivers who prey on them, overcharge them and as recent events have shown, may also assault them."

In February, the authority's licensing section issued details of convictions of taxi firms and rogue taxis operating in the town.

Figures for the previous six months showed there were 59 convictions leading to fines of £7,025 and total costs of £4,826.

However, Hackney Association secretary Joe Durkin believes the council and police could do more to stamp out the problem.

He said: "We welcome any move that will benefit the public's safety, but the council wants to be seen as protecting the public after something serious has happened.

"We realise it is a difficult job to catch pirate operators but we still think there is more they could do."

All drivers licensed by Middlesbrough Council have been medically checked and vetted for criminal offences, and must wear an identification badge at all times.

Anyone with information which could help detectives to trace the rapists is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe CID on (01325) 314401 or anonymously, through Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.