What to do when witnessing a cash-in-transit robbery
Keep as much distance between yourself and the perpetrators as possible.
As we approach the end of the year in Mpumalanga, we know that traditionally, the number of cash-in-transit (CIT) attacks increase. The Fidelity Services Group says the number-one priority if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being caught near a CIT robbery, is to make your personal safety a priority.
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Wahl Bartmann, the CEO of Fidelity Services Group, provides consumers with the following important safety tips:
• When observing a cash-in-transit incident, try and put as much distance between your vehicle and the crime scene.
• Do not exit your vehicle, as you could get caught in the crossfire. Try to vacate the area if possible.
• Never approach perpetrators of a cash-in-transit, as they are armed and dangerous. Always remember to put your own personal safety first.
• Do not place yourself in danger. Criminals may react irrationally when seeing you. Avoid any form of eye or physical contact.
• If caught in the vicinity of a CIT robbery, make sure that you do not switch off your vehicle in case you need to escape the incident. Keep your engine running at all times.
• Share videos you have taken with the authorities rather than posting them on social media. This could assist with the apprehension of the criminals. Posting on your social media channels, which get shared broadly, may in fact jeopardise the case.
• Also remember that while videos and photographs from your phone can be useful, they could put you at risk if the suspects see you filming at the time. Our advice is to be very cautious when attempting to film an incident. It could inadvertently make you a target.
• Immediately notify the police. Contact them when you find yourself in a CIT heist, but remember that it is always about your safety first. The SAPS contact number for emergencies is 10111.
• If you are at a shopping centre and witness a cross-pavement heist near an ATM, the same advice applies. If you are not in your car, keep as much distance between yourself and the perpetrators as possible. Rather lie flat on the floor to avoid being caught in the crossfire if any shots are fired. Again, notify the authorities or centre management as quickly as possible.
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Bartmann said, “Remember, these syndicates are highly trained and dangerous, so caution has to be exercised.” He confirmed that Fidelity would be stepping up patrols and surveillance over the next three months.
