Do not carry large sums of cash, warns SAPS

Members of the public are warned not to carry large amounts of cash.

Vryheid SAPS urges residents to consider options that are lower risk. For example, consider making use of cellphone banking and internet transfers to pay accounts, or ATM’s to do banking.

You may also want to read: Community stands against crime .

In light of recent incidents, where people have been robbed of their cash or even killed, this warning has been issued to prevent such incidents in future. Below are tips that will help minimise the chances of being a victim of crime:

– Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash

– Never reveal when you intend to make your bank visits, 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 are regularly depositing 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 electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.

We would also like to warn all stokvel members to take extra precautions when dealing with large amounts of cash as crimes related to stokvels are very prevalent during the festive season when members are sharing money. Stokvel members can arrange with the banks to deposit their cash into their accounts. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash when possible.