TAXIdrivers are again in the spotlight after an increased number of assault and aggravated robberies against them in the past week was noted by police.
According to statistics provided by police, an average of two taxidrivers are robbed every week.
This latest spate of driver robberies has prompted police to urge all taxi operators to consider their safety at all times.
Deputy director of operations Superintendent of Police Abdul Khan said this recent increase in robberies showed a shift in crime trends.
He said drivers needed to be alert at all times when on the job.
"This is especially so for the times between 7pm to around 1am and nearing and during the weekends when taxi operators are busy," SP Khan said.
"We understand that this has been an issue before where drivers should not be choosing their passengers however, in this instance, we have to seriously ask drivers to consider their passengers wisely and if they feel unsafe at any point in time to drive to their nearest police station or community post."
However, Fiji Taxi Association president Vincent Ram offered The Fiji Times a different view on the robberies.
"Sometimes when taxidrivers do not behave in accordance with the Code of Driver Conduct, this can anger some passengers causing them to lash out," Mr Singh said.
"But this problem has been an ongoing one for drivers and all we can do is report the matter to the relevant authorities."