to deter attacks, spokesman for the Bermuda Taxi Owners Union said yesterday.

Mr. Lee Tucker claimed suspended sentences and fines do nothing to deter criminals from targeting taxi drivers.

Meanwhile armed robbers of banks and businesses face prison sentences in Supreme Court if convicted of armed robbery.

His comments came following a BTOU meeting last week that put driver safety at the top of the agenda.

Next month the Taxi Advisory Board will press for talks with Transport Minister the Hon. Maxwell Burgess on behalf of the union over tougher sentences for crimes against taxi owners.

"We intend to attract the attention of the Minister and Government to give more of a listening ear to our plight,'' Mr. Tucker said.

"It is no deterrent to a thief to be put on a suspended sentence,'' he said.

"We want the Magistrates to use their powers to issue more severe sentences.'' "A driver can be ripped off between $100 and $200 -- his day's earnings. But if a robber goes to a store and does it, he is dealt with in Supreme Court.

"Robbery is robbery. If someone threatens you with a knife, he should be dealt with in a similar manner,'' he said.

BTOU members will learn the outcome of the talks at their annual general meeting in two weeks time, Mr. Tucker said.

In the meantime, drivers are urged to take every precaution to prevent attacks by installing alarm systems and carrying a chemical dye spray.

But the installation of protective screens for taxi drivers was given the thumbs down by the union which deems them "unBermudian''.