TAXI bosses in Glasgow have fully backed plans for police officers to tail cabbies.

The city's black cabs and ­private hires will be followed by undercover officers in ­unmarked cars, after they pick up a hire, over fears thieves are targeting cabbies late at night.

Stephen Flynn, vice-chairman of Glasgow Taxis, welcomed the move. He said: "The safety of our passengers and drivers is of the utmost importance. We would welcome any initiative that will provide them with an even greater sense of security when travelling in Glasgow."

It comes a week after a taxi driver and pensioner were ­allegedly assaulted in Cambuslang. A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection the incident.

Andy Burns, a 44-year-old taxi driver, and Jean Evans, a 68-year-old mother of three, were allegedly attacked in the incident last Friday.

Chief Inspector Joe McKerns, area commander for Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal, revealed the action plan was launched after concerns about drivers' safety.

He said: "We have seen a slight increase in robberies and attempted robberies on taxi drivers in the last three months.

"The majority have been taking place late at night, or early hours, in the North of Glasgow. We have launched a scheme where plain-clothed officers, in an unmarked police car, will follow the taxi for a short time in a bid to reassure the driver.

"Sometimes, officers will use marked police vehicles, as it will give the driver the opportunity to flag down officers and alert them to any concerns.

"Marked cars should also deter anyone from assaulting or robbing taxi drivers. Hopefully, it will make them think again."