As we head into the festive season, cash volumes will rise drastically over the next few weeks and cash will most certainly be high on the criminal agenda.
Just as many South African consumers will prepare to buy gifts for loved ones, it is important to remember that criminals have a Christmas wish list too.
Cash Connect, a leading provider of automated cash vaults, warns retailers to be on high alert and to ensure they have the correct cash management systems in place to deter criminals, but most importantly to protect their cash, their staff and customers.
Tips for retailers:
• Keep cash at points of sale to a minimum by regularly depositing takings into a secure cash deposit device.
• Schedule ad hoc cash-in-transit collections if and when necessary, to keep cash on site as low as possible.
• Keep in mind that criminals carefully survey their targets before an attack. Share your protection strategies with your staff – the criminals will soon find out that the target has been hardened and move on to easier and softer opportunities. Also be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and people lurking in the area and tip off the police
• Your staff are your allies. Encourage them to report suspicious enquiries to the business owner immediately. They should be particularly wary of anyone wanting to know about banking habits, CIT providers or CIT collection times.
• Consider closing shop for a few minutes before and during cash-in-transit collections. Alternatively, isolate and close down the cash area during the collections and ensure that the room where the cash exchange or handover is being made has access restrictions.
• Assist the cash-in-transit collection team by being prepared. This keeps the collection service time window short, sharp and safe.
• Ensure your CCTV systems are serviced and operational – clear pictures of suspects are invaluable to the SAPS’ investigations.
