A BLACK cab driver says he wants to quit Waltham Forest "for the outer hebrides" after his cab was stolen while he went for a swim.

James Corr, 43, was enjoying a dip at the public pool in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, when thieves raided his locker and snatched his car keys.

They also stole a jacket, his mobile phone, his wallet and £150 although, bizarrely, they only moved his trousers into another locker.

He had been in the water for just 20 minutes when staff said his valuables - and midnight blue Hackney carriage - had been swiped.

The crooks also took his house keys and paperwork in the cab with his address on it. Mr Corr was given a lift home by a member of staff and police urged his wife to not leave the family home unattended.

The furious driver, of Northcote Road, has two daughters aged ten and 15. He paid £17,000 for the vehicle around five years ago, and is now having to pay £180 per week to rent another.

Mr Corr praised the staff members' swift action, but said: "There are signs up everywhere saying the council takes no responsibility for your personal property.

"But they don't tell you they keep having break-ins. It's very depressing but it's a sign of the times, the way we're living now.

"I don't want to live in Waltham Forest any more - I think I'd rather move to the Outer Hebrides."

His was the third vehicle to have been stolen from the Pool and Track. A Toyota Avensis and another cab were taken from the complex in separate raids during November.

Anyone with information about the theft, which happened at around 6pm on January 16, should call Chingford CID on 8345 3114 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.