Taxi passengers urged to take safety precautions

Passengers using taxi services were urged to take precautions to protect themselves from theft, robbery, and intimidation, including verifying vehicle and driver details and sharing their live location with trusted contacts.

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler stated that the advisory was issued amid reports of crimes allegedly involving taxi drivers or individuals assisting passengers through taxi services.

Passengers were urged to ensure that the vehicle they hire is properly regulated and to verify its registration number, model, and driver name before starting their journey.

Those travelling at night were advised to exercise particular caution if a driver attempts to take them through unfamiliar, isolated, or unexpected routes.

ASP Wootler encouraged passengers to share their live location through their mobile phones or Google Maps with a family member, friend, or other trusted person, ensuring someone remains aware of their whereabouts until reaching their destination.

Passengers were warned against accepting food, drinks, or water offered by unfamiliar people during a journey, as police received reports of incidents where passengers were allegedly rendered unconscious after consuming provided food or beverages.

Travellers were further advised to avoid displaying valuables such as cash, laptops, mobile phones, and jewellery while inside taxis.

Anyone encountering a suspicious situation or feeling threatened during a journey was urged to immediately contact the Police Emergency Service on 119 or the Emergency Information Service on 118, providing details of the vehicle and incident.

Taxi drivers were reminded that safety guidance applies to them as well, with police urging them to adhere to proper conduct when transporting passengers.