The Sri Lanka Police has urged passengers using taxi services 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 said the advisory was issued amid reports of crimes allegedly involving taxi drivers or individuals assisting passengers through taxi services.
He urged passengers to ensure that the vehicle they hire is a properly regulated vehicle and to verify its registration number, model and the name of the driver before starting their journey.
Passengers travelling at night were also advised to be particularly cautious if a driver attempts to take them through unfamiliar, isolated or unexpected routes.
Wootler encouraged passengers to share their live location through their mobile phones or Google Maps with a family member, friend or other trusted person and ensure someone remains aware of their whereabouts until they reach their destination.
He also warned passengers not to accept food, drinks or water offered by unfamiliar people during a journey, saying police have received reports of incidents in which passengers were allegedly rendered unconscious after being given food or beverages.
Passengers were further advised to be cautious about displaying valuables such as cash, laptops, mobile phones and jewellery while travelling in taxis.
Anyone who encounters a suspicious situation or feels threatened during a journey has been urged to immediately contact the Police Emergency Service on 119 or the Emergency Information Service on 118 and provide details of the vehicle and incident.
The police also reminded taxi drivers that the safety guidance applies to them as well and urged them to adhere to proper conduct when transporting passengers. (Newswire)