How Taxi Companies Prevent Robbery

by Jack Ori

Due to the nature of their work, taxi drivers are often at risk of robbery. Many drivers work alone and drive through high-crime areas late at night making them easy targets. If you want to start a small business dispatching taxis in your local area, plan to invest in your drivers' safety by installing devices to help lower the risk of robbery and creating safe cash-handling policies.

Carry Little Cash

Most taxi companies discourage drivers from carrying a lot of cash during their shift. If robbers know they will get only a small amount of money, they may decide robbing taxi drivers isn't worth the effort. Some taxi companies require customers to pay with a credit or debit card. If drivers do accept cash, they should put it in a safe in their cab or drop it off at the dispatch office once it reaches a certain amount.

Install Partitions

Taxi companies usually install glass partitions between the taxi driver and the back seat of the vehicle. Customers must then sit in the back of the vehicle rather than in the passenger seat. The partition acts as a buffer between taxi driver and customer, so that robbers cannot easily assault a taxi driver or threaten him with a weapon. The only physical contact customers and drivers have is at the end of the ride, when the driver may open the door for the customer prior to collecting his fare.

Use Technology

Some companies install Lo-Jack or other GPS systems to track the whereabouts of taxis. This technology is helpful for detecting robberies in progress. If a dispatcher notices a taxi is taking an unusual route or is stopped for a long period of time, the dispatcher can notify police or contact the driver to make sure she is all right. Some companies also equip taxis with remote disablers so that a dispatcher can stop the taxi from operating during a robbery.

Install Security Cameras

As of 2011 many taxis are equipped with security cameras. Security cameras help prevent robberies as well as catch criminals if a robbery occurs. Robbers may be less likely to hit a cab if they know their actions will be caught on camera. If they do rob a cab, police use security camera footage to aid in their investigation. Security cameras also deter employee theft or misbehavior, as drivers' behavior will also be caught on camera.

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