HAMILTON – Police officers in Bermuda are planning to pose as taxi drivers to try to catch gun-touting robbers in the act.
They have resorted to the undercover tactic in response to the recent spate of armed robberies across the island.Sources have told the Bermuda Sun that the decoy taxi will be driven around “crime hotspots” late at night.
The “taxi driver” will in fact be an armed police officer and more officers may also be hiding in the back of the vehicle.
It comes as welcome news to taxi drivers who have long complained that they fear for their safety when picking up fares.
At least five cabbies have been robbed at gunpoint in just three months.
Less than two weeks ago a 65-year-old driver was forced to hand over his takings in Bailey’s Bay when two unknown men approached the taxi brandishing what appeared to be a firearm. The two men and the passenger then escaped on foot along the Railway Trail.
The police operation is thought to be a joint initiative by the armed police unit and special crime unit.
Police spokesman Robin Simmons said he would not discuss “police tactics” adding that he did not know of such an operation at this time. (Bermuda Sun online)
