Police warn people about the increase in criminal activities.
Keep bank visits a secret and never handle any cash openly inside the bank. Keep moneybags and deposit receipt books out of sight of other people and make use of cash management services. Never pay salaries in public, rather use electronic payment options. Do not use a marked company vehicle when depositing money
LYDENBURG – The Lydenburg SAPS would like to warn residents about an increase in criminal activities leading to the upcoming festive season.
Capt. Saartjie Roos, communications officer at Lydenburg SAPS, told the Steelburger/Lydenburg News, “We are now slowly approaching the time of the year when cash robberies usually increase.
“We appeal to the community to be cautious and therefore we would like to share safety tips with the public on how to safely carry cash.”
Roos said in order to prevent cash robberies, individuals should not keep large amounts of cash on them. “Rather pay with your bank card as far as possible or make use of electronic banking, cellphone banking, Internet transfers and ATMs. Be aware of your surroundings after ATM withdrawals have been made and never accept any help from strangers at an ATM.”
She said to prevent possible cash robberies at businesses, business owners should deposit cash on different days and times as most robberies takes place on the way to the bank. “Keep bank visits a secret and never handle any cash openly inside the bank. Keep moneybags and deposit receipt books out of sight of other people and make use of cash management services. Never pay salaries in public, rather use electronic payment options. Do not use a marked company vehicle when depositing money.”
She added in order to prevent cash robberies, people should refrain from depositing money on high-risk days such as month-end or pension payout days. “Always take someone with you when going to the bank to make deposits and make sure that you are not being followed or watched on your way to or from the bank.
Ask members of saving clubs or stokvel’s to rather make direct deposits into the account and preferably make use of electronic account payments to members of the saving clubs or stokvels. Always keep your vehicle’s door locked when you have large amounts of money on you and make sure your surroundings are safe before you get out of your car,” Roos explained.
