Publishing News South Africa

Reducing cash in transit heist risks over year-end

Statistics show that cash in transit (CIT) heists are highest from November onwards and though there has been a reported decrease in CIT heists over the last couple of years, retailers are still not immune to attacks and should take the time to review security and be alert of suspicious activities on their premises.

Research reveals that most attacks are generally high on Mondays between 9am and noon, with a subsequent increase in cross-pavement hits referring to the time from when the cash is transported from the store to the van.

Retailers are also advised to be cautious of bogus pickups or fake CIT guards/services. As a precautionary measure, they should call their CIT service provider to verify the staff that will be conducting the pickup or the drop off during the holiday season.

Retailers should also consider modifying delivery and collection times, as well as increasing their clearances from once a day to twice a day. This helps keep their till holdings at a minimum so that they do not keep large sums of money in store that would make them easy targets.

Another point is to ensure the security alarm systems are tested for proper functioning and to monitor the security company's response time. Through various risk and safety measures taken and supplied by our group, the industry has defended off over 20% of CIT attacks whilst we have defended more than 54% of the attacks.

Internal staff involvement in heists is believed to be one of the biggest threats. A counter-measure is to introduce a staff vetting process in the organisation. This would highlight the candidate's credit and criminal record, cases that they are currently charged with, monitor employees that are registered on the Register of Employees Dismissed (REDS) and administer psychometric tests. This process is also highly critical for retailers when employing temporary staff during the festive season.

Retailers should practice general basic vigilance at all times. Checking premises for vehicles that are parked or driving around the stores as well as strange characters hanging around the premises. Even though all this might mean extra attention to detail in and around stores, it is all for the safety of your business and customers as they shop during Christmas.

About Grant Dunnington

Grant Dunnington is the CEO of SBV Group.
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