A man conducting his business banking fell victim to an organised heist on Thursday, 31 October. In what is fast becoming the crime trend of late 2019, the man was followed from a bank branch in Horizon View and robbed of the cash he had just withdrawn.
Following a recent warning issued by Florida Police about this exact type of crime, Roodepoort Police’s spokesperson, Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke confirmed the incident.”While conducing a scheduled patrol, we came across a man who had just been robbed after making a cash withdrawal. We also came across an ATM where someone had forgotten their card in the machine. We urge the public to increase their awareness of their surroundings and take nothing for granted”.
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Crime tips to avoid becoming a victim
Captain Yorke confirmed that a case has been opened at Roodepoort Police Station. An disclosed amount of money was taken, but the man was fortunately not injured. Staying alert to one’s surroundings and changing up routines are simple methods to help avoid becoming a victim. Here is a list of tips to help consumers stay safe when carrying cash these final months of 2019:
– carry as little cash as possible
– consider the convenience of electronic transfers and cellphone banking
– never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you
– vary the days and times on which you deposit cash
– do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue
– avoid carrying moneybags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book
– it is 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 contractors or casual labourers in full view of the public.
