What to do when caught up in a CIT robbery
CIT robberies have become a part of life in the Capital City. Here is what to do when you witness one.
Pretoria has seen its fair share of cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies in the past few months and with the festive season now here, the chances of witnessing such an attack traditionally increase.
Fidelity Services Group says people travelling on vacation, should remember to make their safety the number one priority if they find themselves in the unfortunate position of being caught near a CIT robbery.
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group provides motorists 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. Rather vacate the area if possible.
– Never approach the perpetrators as they are armed and dangerous. Your safety should come first.
– Avoid any eye or physical contact, you can never know how the criminals will react when they see you.
– If caught up in such a robbery, keep your engine running in case you need to make a quick escape.
– Share any video footage you have taken with the authorities instead of social media to assist the investigation. Posting to social media may jeopardise the case.
– Also remember the footage can be useful, it could inadvertently make you a target for criminals and put your life at risk.
– Immediately contact police when you find yourself in a CIT heist but remember to put your safety first. The SAPS contact number for emergencies is 10111.
– If you are at a shopping centre and witness a cross-pavement heist, 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 shots are fired. Again, notify the authorities or centre management as quickly as possible.
“Remember, these syndicates are highly trained and dangerous, so caution has to be exercised.”
Bartmann said Fidelity would be stepping up patrols and surveillance over the next three months.
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