AS the festive season looms, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has warned bank customers to be wary of their surroundings when going to and from the bank to deposit or to withdraw cash. Criminals work in organised syndicates and often use ‘spotters’ that look-out for people making large cash withdrawals inside bank branches.
Once the perpetrators identify their victims, they pass on the information to their co-perpetrators who are usually in the vicinity of the bank, who then rob the victims, either at their place of business, home or en route to their destination.
SABRIC’s statistics indicate a 7.4 per cent decrease in these robberies for the period January to September 2013, with 1 003 incidents as opposed to the 1 083 incidents for the same period in 2012. These numbers still remain too high.
“We have not received any reports of any ATM or bank related robberies recently, but we expect an increase in that regard over the festive season. Bank customers should remain vigilant when withdrawing or depositing money at the bank,” said Lt France Mhkize, the communications officer at the Hillcrest SAPS.
According to Lt Bongumusa Manqele, Pinetown SAPS communications officer, the station has received reports of people being followed from the bank.
“The suspects would follow or ambush bank customers at their vehicles, demanding money, their vehicle’s keys and jewellery. In some reports the victims were followed to their homes. SAPS urges residents to remain vigilant when visiting the bank and to report any suspicious individuals to the police. Only use ATMs that have a security guard in the immediate vicinity. Also, do not accept any assistance from anyone while attempting to withdraw money at an ATM,” said Lt Manqele.
