Here you can read some useful advice to help protect Taxi and Private Hire drivers, provided by the Metroplitan Police, in partnership with Transport for London.

Keep your money and possessions safe

• Limit the amount of cash you carry and avoid leaving it around the central console; it is an easy target for a thief.
• Keep your mobile phone safe and out of reach from passengers. Make sure you note the IMEI number, find this by typing *#06#.
• If you are threatened with a knife or other weapon, call 999 immediately. Do not risk your personal safety.

Stay safe while driving

• If you are asked to stop suddenly or deviate into quieter areas, try to do so in a location with good lighting and plenty of people.
• Beware of distraction techniques involving requests to adjust seats or to access the boot, this might be intended to get you to leave your vehicle.
• If you do have to leave your vehicle, switch the ignition off and take the keys with you.

Useful resources

• Lone working devices are a good way to make emergency contact with a monitoring station should you be threatened or have property taken. For more information visit securedbydesign.com
• Consider fitting a TfL-approved CCTV system to your taxi or private hire vehicle. Further details can be found via TfL.gov.uk/tph-cctv
• A vehicle tracking device can help to locate your vehicle if stolen. For details visit thatcham.org
• For further advice search ‘protecting yourself from crime’ on met.police.uk

Reporting

• Drivers are encouraged to report all suspected crimes to police.
• In an emergency call 999 immediately. If you can’t call 999 at the time then you should report it as soon as possible by calling 101 or online at met.police.uk
• Private hire operators are required to record details for every booking, police can use this information to investigate crimes