Local cab drivers help fight crime

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The city of Indianapolis has extra eyes and ears on the streets to help fight crime.

In May, the city of Indianapolis teamed up with Yellow Cab to help fight crime.  Bumper stickers with the Crime Stoppers phone number were placed on over 150 yellow cabs throughout the city. The goal was to increase awareness about how to report crimes and also increase safety in neighborhoods.

Since then, Rhonda Cox and her fellow cab drivers have been cruising the streets, looking for ways they can help. "I watch my surroundings - I watch my surroundings very closely."

She says the program has increased her awareness about how to help.  The instinct to help has always been there.  "I think it's just kind of understood that we look out. I guess it's not something that you have to be told to do. It's just being a good citizen and paying attention to your surroundings and reporting what you see."

And there have been times when Rhonda not only reported the crime, but also took the person in need to safety.  "If I pick up someone that's going to the Julian Center or Sheltering Wings or a place like that, I feeling like I'm helping or I'm contributing to get them to safety."