Armed robberies rattle cabdrivers in Portland

PORTLAND – A rash of taxicab robberies in Portland has left some drivers on edge and some companies considering security measures to deter would-be thieves.

Two knife-point robberies were reported Sunday, and three cabdrivers were robbed two weeks ago in the space of a single shift. Descriptions given to police indicate that the same person may be responsible.

“You have to make sure you’re not attributing everything to one individual, but statistically, people don’t get caught the first time,” so they continue, said police Lt. Vern Malloch. “One individual can really increase your statistics for these things occurring.”

ABC Taxi Co., whose cabs were among the targets, is considering installing security cameras. The company has looked into the placement of protective clear partitions between the front and back seats of its cabs, but previously rejected the idea because of cost, said Mary Jo Johnson, who helps run ABC Taxi.

“This is really new to us. We’ve been in business 20 years and never had this before,” Johnson said, adding that the robberies have jangled some drivers’ nerves.

As independent contractors who rent their cab, drivers are victimized when a robber walks off with their cash. But Johnson said she has advised drivers not to resist.

“I would tell all the drivers give them the money. Whatever amount it is, it’s not worth your life,” she said.

Some drivers say they’ve had no problems in the past and suspect that the recent spate of robberies will abate once the culprit is caught or leaves town.

But Philip Gucci, who was the victim of a robbery about 15 years ago, said he thinks it’s becoming more dangerous to drive a cab in Portland.

“It could happen anytime. You don’t know who you’re picking up,” he said.