The low taxi crime rate in Singapore speaks for the close rapport and cooperation between the Police and the taxi drivers. With the large number of taxis in Singapore, taxi drivers help the Police by using their radio sets to report crime occurrences / traffic accidents on our roads through their operators to the Police.

Taxi drivers have taken crime prevention measures so that they do not become a victim of crime.

We have useful information and advice for taxi drivers on crime prevention and traffic matters. Taxi drivers are not allowed to choose their passengers, they could be vulnerable as victims of crime. Thus this information will serve to remind all taxi drivers on the various crime prevention measures to adopt and how to report crime occurrences. There are also advice on what to do in the case of accidents and driving tips to enlighten and ensure a peaceful and safer drive for all.

Robbery and theft

To deter robbery and theft from your vehicle:

Do not carry too much valuables (eg. jewellery, expensive watches) and money with you when you are on the job.

Bring along your valuables and cash when you leave your vehicle.

Deposit part of your money at home or in the bank if you have accumulated a large sum of it.

Keep only a small amount of money as change.

Crime Prevention Tips

Theft of your vehicle...

Minimise your Risk Against Robbery:

Do not wear expensive jewellery / watches and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you when you start work.

If possible, deposit part of your cash at home or in the bank when you have accumulated a substantial amount of takings from passengers. Keep only a small amount of cash as change.

Be wary of passengers who are indecisive about their destinations or keep changing their destinations.

Be cautious of passengers who direct you to secluded places.

Be familiar with the use of the silent alarm.

If You Encounter a Robbery...

Remain calm and do not resist.

Activate the silent alarm when it is safe to do so.

Pay attention to the culprit’s appearance and distinctive physical features.

To help the Police investigations, do not touch anything at the crime scene.

If the culprit has escaped in a vehicle, note its registration number and other details.

If possible, inform your radio operator of the incident with the description of the culprit / getaway vehicle for lookout by your fellow drivers.

Report to the Police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Minimise Your Risk Against Theft

Secure all windows and doors of your taxi even if you have to leave it for a while.

Park in well–lit areas. Dark and secluded places are ideal for thieves.

Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.

Never leave your cash card in the In-vehicle Unit (IU) even if its stored value is low.

Use additional security devices such as a steering wheel lock or a clutch and brake lock.

You Can Help…

Your timely assistance will always help to save another person and prevent another crime.

Help look out for fellow taxi drivers in distress. Use pre-arranged codes or signals to enquire if he is alright.

Be attentive to your surroundings. Call the Police if you come across any suspicious situations.

Avoid direct confrontation with the suspicious character. He may be armed or violent.

Provide information on the location of your sighting and as many detailed description of the suspicious character as possible to the Police.

At The Scene of an Accident

What you should do if you are involved in an accident…

Stop immediately after the accident and check if anyone has been injured or killed.

If someone had been killed or seriously injured…

Contact the Police and Ambulance Service immediately.

Do not remove your vehicle without the authority of a Police officer unless:

i) A seriously injured person has to be sent to a hospital and there is no other vehicle to do so except the one involved in the accident.

ii) It is necessary to extricate a trapped person, prevent a fire or reduce a serious traffic hazard posed as a result of the accident.

You are required to render assistance as and when required by a Police officer, or in the absence of a Police officer, help the injured persons of the vehicle.

Remain at the scene until the Police arrived.

If no one has been injured or the injury is superficial (i.e. minor bruises or cuts)…

i) Switch on your hazard warning lights and move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic to the road shoulder; or to the left side of the road if there is no road shoulder.

ii) Do not hold up traffic by arguing or trying to settle the matter or exchanging particulars in the middle of the road. This may cause a second accident.

Exchange the following particulars with the other party:

• Name of the driver
• Driving license details
• IC number
• Address
• Name of insurance company
• Registration number of vehicle
• Name and address of vehicle owner

If you have a camera, photograph the damage, but do so safely.

If someone sustains superficial injuries, he may be brought to a private doctor. It is not necessary to summon the Police or ambulance.

You must lodge a Police accident report if:

Someone is injured in the accident.

The accident involves government vehicles (bearing QX or MID plates) or damage to government property.

The accident involves foreign registered vehicles.

The accident involves pedestrians or cyclists.

If there is no injury to anyone at the time of accident, you do not have to lodge a Police report with the exception of non-injury cases mentioned in (b) – (d).

Inform your insurance company and lodge a Non-Injury Motor Accident Report in the prescribed form available from your insurance company. Your insurance company will process your claim and inform you of the outcome.

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