Sri Lankan police issued an urgent safety warning for rental vehicle passengers, advising travelers to verify vehicle registrations, share live GPS locations with trusted contacts, and avoid unverified food or drinks following reports of crimes involving drivers and service providers.
Sri Lankan authorities have urged passengers using rental vehicles to take immediate safety precautions following troubling reports of crimes, including thefts, robberies, and threats involving drivers and transportation service providers. Police spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Woodler outlined the guidance to help travelers protect themselves against criminal activity during transit.
Passenger Safety Checks Before Starting the Trip
Before a journey begins, passengers must verify that the vehicle is properly registered. Travelers should check the registration number, vehicle model, and driver’s name, according to the detailed advisory issued by police. Authorities emphasize that confirming these details beforehand serves as a vital first line of defense against potential security risks.
During nighttime trips or travel through unfamiliar areas, passengers need to remain especially vigilant if a driver attempts to take unpopulated, unexpected, or isolated routes. Travelers are also advised to keep valuables such as cash, laptops, mobile phones, and jewelry out of plain sight so they are not easily visible to others.
Live Location Sharing and Emergency Contacts
A core recommendation of the police advisory is maintaining constant digital contact with trusted individuals. Passengers traveling, particularly after dark, should use mobile phones or applications like Google Maps to share their live location with family members, friends, or other reliable contacts. Ensuring that someone is monitoring the journey until arrival adds an essential layer of security.
Furthermore, authorities warn passengers to refuse any food, beverages, or water offered by strangers during a trip. Police noted that complaints have surfaced regarding criminals administering sedatives through spiked food items to incapacitate unsuspecting passengers before carrying out offenses.
Emergency Reporting Protocols for Suspicious Incidents
If travelers encounter any suspicious behavior, threats, or emergencies while on the road, they should immediately contact emergency authorities. Police urge anyone facing danger to call the 119 police emergency hotline or the 118 emergency information service to provide specific details about the vehicle and the incident. Quick reporting enables law enforcement to respond effectively to ongoing threats involving transport providers.
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