Michelle-Ann Lettman, Staff Reporter

Authorised taxi operators in the St Andrew capital, Half-Way Tree, say their source of livelihood is being stifled since recent reports that women are being abducted and raped, in some cases, by illegal taxi operators.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force's latest crime statistics, since the start of the year, there have been 57 reported cases of abductions and 536 cases of rape.

Fifty-six children and 122 women have been killed.

Women fearful

The police say illegal taxi operators are among the perpetrators.

"The woman dem 'fraid fi tek wi car," one registered taxi operator, who requested anonymity told The Gleaner yesterday.

The taxi driver operates between Half-Way Tree and Papine.

His colleague, 45-year-old Horace Thompson, said he too was being affected since the reports.

As a result, Thompson, who has been operating a taxi for the last 17 years, said he now spends less time on the roads.

Less time on roads

A regular workday would start as early as 6 a.m and end at 10 p.m, but these days, Thompson said, he goes home as early as 5 p.m since jobs have slowed down.

Keisha Crawford, a 30-year-old professional, who commutes between Spanish Town and Red Hills Road, told The Gleaner her preferred mode of transport is now the Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses.

"I think it is much safer than taking a taxi," she said. Additionally, it is more economical.

Since the surge in reports of abductions and rapes, the St Andrew Central police have intensified their operations in the Half-Way Tree.

However, the police have maintained that the actual incidents of rapes and abductions have not increased.