Secure your business for the festive season season
This is a time of joy and celebration as we take a break from the mundane realities of everyday life.
The festive season is upon us once again and at this time of year, business crime remains a big concern.
“The festive period is our retail sector’s peak season, with a significant rise in cash volumes and an expected increase in armed robberies, burglaries, and other violent crimes. Unfortunately, while we plan our holidays and shop for Christmas gifts, criminals work from their own wish lists, targeting the public and businesses,” said Mr Richard Phillips, the joint CEO for Cash Connect Management Solutions.
He said the past few weeks have already seen a series of armed robberies and cash vault bombings, particularly at fuel retailers.
This is expected to increase as the volume of cash in circulation rises over the festive season.
“Last year, Cash Connect recorded an almost 40 percent increase in the volume of cash it processed on behalf of its clients in the month of December, compared to the average cash processed per month from January to November. Extended trading hours create greater opportunity for crime spikes, while holiday makers, fuel retailers and convenience store owners become more exposed to cash-related crimes,” said Mr Phillips.
“Every year we find ourselves in the same predicament, facing the same challenges, which place our retail sector on high alert. Caution has become the business sector’s main directive, behind the cheerful mood and extra effort that accompanies the season. Central business districts and coastal towns are the most high-risk areas in South Africa during December,” he said.
He said too many businesses still manage their cash using conventional methods, thereby posing an even greater risk of becoming a victim of criminal attack.
The period leading up to the holidays is when business owners need to evaluate and rethink the security of their cash management systems.
“The most effective way of safeguarding cash is by installing an automated retail cash management and payment solution that is robust and can resist the toughest of attacks,” said Mr Phillips.
“December and January doesn’t have to be a jolly season for criminals. Business owners need to understand that the police and security companies can only do so much. The time to act is now.”
