Sounds like my first trip to Philadelphia... the cabby scared the crap out of me. Fortunately it was a short visit and the locals from my company handled the rest of the transport.
Then there was the time that three of us took a trip to Phili... all was well untl the ride to the airport. The driver understood "airport", but couldn't comprehend Terminal "A", "B", and so forth. We had to make a second pass into the airport entrance, pointing out the exit for him so we could make our flight. I don't miss traveling at all.
I'm sure not all cab drivers are crooks and thieves. Sure. I believe that.
They really behave when they know they are being recorded.