An increasing number of cash robbery reports in the Krugersdorp area led the news to finding some useful guidelines to ensure that its readers do not become the next victims.
The SAPS suggest the following:
Paying accounts
If you need to pay accounts, consider options with a lower risk instead of withdrawing large sums of cash.
• Carry as little cash as possible
• Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options)
• Consider making use of cellphone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking
Business owners take note
A small business that is cash-based and needs to deposit money at the bank regularly should apply the following to minimise their chances of becoming a victim:
• 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 the bank queue
• Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book
• It’s 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 deposit regularly is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company
• Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public; rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank
• Refrain from driving to the bank in your company-branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’
• Consider arranging for the electronic transfer of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts
Savings clubs and stokvels
• Refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high-risk days (e.g. Monday after month end)
• Ensure persons depositing club cash contributions or making withdrawals are accompanied by another club member
• A stokvel, savings club or burial society can arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account instead of collecting cash contributions from them
• Arrange for the club’s pay-out to be transferred electronically into each club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice
