Handle your cash with care urge SAPS

Many residents are feeling the pinch as fuel and food prices continue to rise.

With this in mind, the SAPS has released the following safety tips to encourage community members be more aware of their surroundings and not become victims of cash robberies:

• Instead of withdrawing large sums of cash to pay accounts, consider lower-risk options such as debit orders or electronic transfers.

• Carry as little cash on you as possible.

• Do not advertise to anyone that you are carrying a large amount of cash.

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Tips that businesses can use to avoid cash robberies:

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash.

• Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.

• Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in a bank queue.

• Avoid carrying money bags or briefcases, and do not openly display your deposit receipt book.

• Identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily detectable.

• 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 paying wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public. Rather arrange for electronic transfers to their personal bank accounts, or make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank.

• Refrain from driving to the bank in a company branded vehicle on a recognised payday.

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