Boksburg North SAPS communications officer Capt Juanita Coetzer shared some tips on carrying cash safely.
Tips to avoid being a victim of cash robberies
• If you need to pay accounts, consider options that are a lower risk instead of withdrawing large sums of cash.
• Carry as little cash as possible.
• Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options).
• Consider making use of cell phone banking, internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking.
Tips to avoid being a victim of cash robberies (for businesses)
A small business which is cash based and needs to deposit money on a regular basis, should apply the following tips which will minimise the chances of being a victim of robbery:
• Alternate the days and times of when you deposit cash.
• Never make your bank visits public – not even to people close to you.
• Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue.
• Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.
• It’s advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected.
• If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company.
• Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public. Rather make use of wage accounts.
• Refrain from driving to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’.
• Consider arranging electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
