WITH the festive season just around the corner, December bonuses – for those lucky enough to receive this year – will no doubt be put to good use buying Christmas gifts for loved ones.

For those in stokvel groups, this is the time of year that money saved throughout the year is divvied up and taken home by members.

ALSO READ: Don’t fall victim to criminals at shopping centres this festive season

The police in KZN have warned community members to be cautious and consider safer options, like depositing money into bank accounts, rather than keeping large amounts of cash in your wallet or purse, or even at home.

‘People are being robbed of their cash or even killed. A warning has been issued to prevent such incidents in future,’ said SAPS KZN spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala.

As all major retailers offer card payments, money should be left in bank accounts and a debit card used for payment of purchases.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of a cash robbery

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash
• Refrain from making cash deposits where possible
• 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