How robbers are snatching taxis - Ghana Police

The Ghana Police Service has thrown light on a new method criminals are using to snatch cars from unwitting taxi drivers.

According to the Public Affairs Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department, statistics suggest an increase in the reportage of the said crime.

"The fraudsters will hire a taxi driver to a distant and lonely place and in the process execute their intended purpose", a news release signed by Ms Juliana Obeng, Deputy Superintendent of Police said.

Modus Operandi of fraudsters

1. The passenger on board the taxi cab in the process becomes friendly and gain their confidence. Afterward they offer the driver food or drink to sustain his energy. This food or drink unknown to the driver is usually drugged.

2. The driver out of ignorance consumes whatever is given him and becomes drowsy.

3. In his state of drowsiness, the fraudster pushes the hired driver out of the car and bolts away with it.

The CID also cautioned taxi drivers and the general public to desist from accepting consumable items from passengers in order not to fall victim to this crime.

"Taxi drivers and the General public should be wary of passengers with suspicious character who are usually willing to pay high fares to their destinations," the news release said.

"Anyone who has fallen victim to this crime and has not yet reported is encouraged to do so. Any other information on above crime should be reported to the nearest police station or call Police Command Center Nos. 0302773906/0302787373 or Toll free 191(all networks), and 18555(MTN and Vodafone) for necessary action".