A rash of robberies targeting taxi drivers could impact the general public’s ability to find a fare, according to an industry representative.

Leo Simmons, president of the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association, said that at least five incidents involving taxi operators have occurred over the last few months, including three in the East End since Friday. A gun was reportedly used in two of the recent incidents, with one of the taxi drivers suffering a cut head and another a cut shoulder.

“Drivers are concerned and are being more cautious as to who they stop for at night,” Mr Simmons said.

“The general public may suffer because of these attacks as drivers are not going to travel in these areas and may not stop for pedestrians hailing a taxi fare during the night hours.”

The first of the recent incidents took place shortly after 11pm on Friday. A police spokesman said two men approached a stationary taxi at a dock in the Mid Ocean Drive area, near the Mid Ocean Club, and demanded cash from the driver.

One of the men was reportedly armed with a firearm. The male driver sustained a cut to the head during the incident, and the two suspects fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash.

An attempted robbery occurred later that night in the Cut Road area in St George’s. Again, a stationary taxi parked at the bus turnaround was approached by two unknown men, one reportedly brandishing a gun. The driver of the taxi was able to drive off.

A third robbery was reported shortly before 10pm on Sunday. Similar to the first two incidents, a stationary taxi parked in the Cashew City Road area of St David’s was approached by two men who demanded money from the driver.

“The suspects took a personal item from the vehicle and the male taxi driver sustained a laceration to his shoulder,” the spokesman added.

In all three incidents, the suspects were described as young men, last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing. They may have been travelling on a dark-coloured motorcycle.

Kenneth Bascome, One Bermuda Alliance MP and former St George’s mayor, said the recent incidents highlight the need for a “fully functioning” police station in St George’s.

“Sight deters,” Mr Bascome said.

“I believe we in St George’s need to have a police presence and a fire presence on the eastern side of the bridge. And no one can convince me otherwise.”

Mr Bascome said he worried about the potential impact such incidents would have on those choosing to visit the area — and specifically those who may be considering staying in one of the small accommodations in the parish.

“I am of that opinion that when people see things like this taking place, they will have second thoughts about actually staying in the community,” he said.

Mr Simmons urged drivers to stay alert as to their surroundings, and to keep vehicle windows rolled up and doors locked when driving or parked.

Cash floats should be no larger than $50, and drivers should make regular deposits at the ATM, he said.

“Remember that your life is worth more than your money,” Mr Simmons said.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact police investigators on 247-1744 or Crime Stoppers at 800-8477.