The festive season is fast approaching.<\/p>\n
A time of joy and festivities as we take a break from the mundane realities of everyday life.<\/p>
But, not all is rosy during this period.<\/p>\n
Retail cash crime remains high on the criminal agenda, particularly during this holiday period when cash volumes increase dramatically.<\/p>
\u201cThe December holiday period is a peak trading season for South Africa\u2019s retail sector, with a significant rise in cash volumes and a corresponding increase in retail cash crime, like armed robberies, burglaries, and cash-in-transit (CIT) heists,\u201d said Richard Phillips, joint CEO for Cash Connect Management Solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we plan our holidays and shop for Christmas gifts, criminals work from their own wish lists and seek to take advantage of opportunities presented by unsuspecting and vulnerable targets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Extended retail trading hours are a valuable feature of the season but naturally increase the opportunity for crime to spike.<\/p>\n
\u201cCentral business districts and coastal towns are the most high-risk areas in SA during December,\u201d Richard added.<\/p>\n
As a provider of automated cash management and payment solutions, Cash Connect enables retailers to operate in a safe and secure trading environment with its robust cash vaults which have been proven to be the most effective deterrent to cash crime for over a decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith over 20 000 armed robberies in the past year, it is unfortunate that retailers have to operate in a trading environment with such a propensity for cash crime,\u201d said Richard.<\/p>\n
According to Richard, December and January don\u2019t have to be a jolly season for criminals, but unfortunately, too many businesses still manage their cash using conventional methods, thereby posing an even greater risk of becoming a victim of a criminal attack.<\/p>\n
The most important and effective way for retailers to decrease risk is by installing an automated retail cash management and payment solution that is robust and can resist the toughest of attacks.<\/p>\n
However, even an automated cash management solution needs vigilance and intelligent management practices to discourage criminals, these include:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Keeping cash at points of sale to a minimum by regularly depositing takings into a secure cash deposit device.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Scheduling ad hoc CIT collections if and when necessary, to keep cash on site as low as possible.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Keeping in mind that criminals carefully survey their targets before an attack.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sharing your protection strategies with your staff.<\/p>\n
The criminals will soon find out that the target has been hardened and move on to easier and softer opportunities.<\/p>\n
Also be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and people lurking in the area and tip off the police.<\/p>\n
Your staff are your allies.<\/p>\n
Encourage them to report suspicious enquiries to the business owner immediately.<\/p>\n
They should be particularly wary of anyone wanting to know about banking habits, CIT providers or CIT collection times.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Consider closing shop for a few minutes before and during CIT collections.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, isolate and close down the cash area during the collections and ensure that the room where the cash exchange or handover is being made has access restrictions.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Assist the CIT collection team by being prepared.<\/p>\n
This keeps the collection service time window short, sharp and safe.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ensure your CCTV systems are serviced and operational. Clear pictures of suspects are invaluable to the SAPS\u2019 investigations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe combination of vigilance, teamwork and secure cash management practices in stores and close cooperation among retailers, the cash management supplier and the law enforcement agencies help provide a formidable response to criminals\u2019 cash crime which is big business in our country.<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting it has to be done in an equally professional and coordinated way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish South African retailers and their customers a safe, peaceful and prosperous holiday period,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n