ATM withdrawals under criminal watch

Working in groups, criminals monitor people making withdrawals at banks, noting those who leave with large sums. These people are then targeted either at their vehicles, or followed to their destination and then assaulted.

READ: ATM card thief strikes in Kingsburgh

The police have noted three different methods used in these robberies. One of the perpetrators waits inside or around the bank and monitors people making large withdrawals, follows them on foot and alerts a waiting group in a vehicle of the target. This target is then followed to their destination and robbed. As many as four perpetrators with one or two vehicles have been known to work this con.

When withdrawals are made at ATMs, a similar process is followed, although often the person is attacked as they enter their car. Usually there are two perpetrators with one getaway vehicle in these instances. If too many employees know when cash wages are paid on a specific day and time, they may give the route information and details of the person with the cash to outsiders for a cut of the money stolen.

READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti ATM card thieves collared with bullet-riddled getaway car

Communications officer of Brighton Beach SAP, Captain Louise Le Roux offers the following guidelines:

• When paying or receiving funds, rather use electronic fund transfer facilities or bank guaranteed cheques and if making large cash withdrawals, don’t do so alone.
• Conceal the money immediately a way that it does not attract attention and remain vigilant when exiting the bank and getting into a vehicle.
• Don’t use a phone while walking and don’t fidget around when in the car, rather lock doors immediately and drive away.
• Change travel routes and banking times whenever making large withdrawals or deposits, using side roads as little as possible and rather make more than one deposit a day, if possible.
• Business owners should encourage their employees to open bank accounts for salary deposits.
• Place withdrawal limits on ATM cards, so people can’t be forced to withdraw large amounts at ATMS at gunpoint.
• Don’t use ATMs at night, especially those in secluded areas with inadequate lighting and never accept help from anyone at an ATM.

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