South Africa’s economy relies on cash. Ensuring that cash is available when needed is an essential service provided by SBV Services Protection Officers, who are highly trained to ensure both money and other assets are moved as smoothly and safely as possible.
“All cash-in-transit protection officers are subject to a multitude of stress factors while on duty.
“We ask that people bear this in mind when they encounter officers in public places, such as malls,” said Susan Potgieter, acting CEO of South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).
Potgieter said SBV Services is appealing to the public to be aware of the high risks involved in this industry.
She said the company is responding to concerns that members of the public are distracting protection officers whilst they are on duty.
Mark Barrett, CEO of SBV Services, said protection officers may seem brash and unfriendly at times, but they are trained to be solely focused on the job at hand.
“We have had reports of members of the public who insist that our officers move the vehicle or ask to hold the firearms that they carry.
“It is also important for the public to desist from asking officers questions – or blocking the route to cash machines with trolleys, for example.
“This kind of distraction is a safety and security risk for both the officer and the public,” said Barrett.
SBV Protection Officers follow strict standard operating procedures.
These include where they must park the vehicle while moving the cash, the amount of time that they have to do so, what constitutes a potential threat, as well as their responsibilities with regards to the use of firearms.
In order to help protection officers, there are a number of things the public can do to allow security services to carry out their work.
These include:
1. Don’t approach protection officers who are holding guns – they are trained to interpret this as a tactic to take their attention off their job.
2. If you are on an escalator or in a lift you might be asked to make room for them to pass, as it’s important to get a high-risk item in transit off the premises as quickly as possible.
3. Armoured vehicles park in places that allow easy and swift access to pick up points so that protection officers can get in and out quickly, so make sure you don’t park them in.
4. If an ATM is being filled or emptied, rather leave the area and come back when you know it has been completed.
5. In the event of a robbery attempt, leave the scene of the crime and don’t remove or touch any objects in the area.
Phone SAPS on 10111 as soon as possible.
6. Contact the SAPS immediately if you’ve identified a potentially dangerous situation, irregularities or infringements.
“We are aware of certain instances where vehicles are parked in areas that are not demarcated for parking.
“Our protection officers are required to adhere to the laws and regulations of the country and to be polite and respectful towards others,” said Barrett.
He said if unhappy with how the officers are driving or parking, instead of speaking to them directly, please call 0860 555 999
The number is also printed on the back of SBV vehicles.
SBV appeals to members of the public with any information on potential security incidents to contact SBV’s Early Warning Robbery Hotline.
This line is active 24/7 and members of the public may contact 083 408 7029 to provide information anonymously to SBV’s investigations team.
All callers can be assured confidentiality is maintained.
