The Florida Police have issued a warning, asking the community to be cautious when handling cash in public. This warning is for anyone who handles large volumes of cash or makes cash contributions to stokvels.
With the festive season approaching, and the inevitable increase in criminal activity that comes with it, the public are warned of two of the most common tactics used by criminals. The first is the scenario whereby the criminal follows his target, who has just completed a cash withdrawal, to his car, home or business and then robs him of the cash.
The second is when there is a ‘spotter’ in or close to the bank branch. The withdrawal is made with the spotter relaying important information to a strategically placed accomplice who carries out the robbery. In most cases, the criminals are armed and can resort to violent action if their instructions are not complied with or the target resists.
This is not limited to urban areas as those in rural areas may also become targets. Stokvel members who make cash contributions are equally vulnerable. The message from the police is to consider alternative means of transferring money such as electronic transfers and cellphone banking. The following tips for individuals, businesses and stokvels have been issued by Florida Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mpho More:
Tips for individuals and business owners
– Carry as little cash as possible
– Consider the convenience of electronic transfers and cellphone banking
– Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you
– Vary the days and times on which you deposit cash
– Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue
– Avoid carrying moneybags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book
– It is 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 contractors or casual labourers in full view of the public.
Tips for stokvel groups
– Refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high-risk days, e.g. Monday after month-end
– Ensure persons depositing 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
– Arrange for the club’s pay out to be electronically transferred into each club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice
– Take another person with you when going to deposit contributions
– When buying bulk groceries for a stokvel, please do not use an unknown person’s vehicle
– Confirm the legitimacy of companies from which you are making online purchases.