Police caution against carrying cash
Often criminals have been tipped off and follow people to and from banks.
Police have warned people not to carry large sums of cash during the festive period.
Instead, they say, other options such as cellphone banking, internet transfers or ATMs should be used.
ALSO READ : Take note – you have been warned by the police!
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said, “We are concerned after several recent incidents of people being robbed of their cash and, in some cases, injured in the process. These guidelines have been issued to help prevent such incidents in the future.”
Tips to help minimise your chances of being a victim of a cash robbery:
· Refrain from making cash deposits if at all possible
· If you must deposit cash, alternate the days and times on which you make the deposit
· Never make your bank visits public, 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 ‘payday’
· Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
“We also warn all stokvel members to take extra precautions when dealing with large amounts of cash. These types of cases are very prevalent during the festive season when members are sharing money.
“Stokvels are advised to arrange with their banks to deposit cash into their accounts. You are also cautioned not to withdraw large sums of cash or transport large sums for deposits as often criminals have been tipped off and follow people to and from banks with the intention to rob them,” said Lt-Col Zwane.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
