If your business is one with a high cash turnover, you need to be proactive about keeping your money safe.
The theft of the tote takings at one of the Vodacom Durban July hospitality marquees this past month follows the recent cash heist that took place two months prior at the FNB Stadium.
With no major developments or arrests in the investigation, both incidents remain as a stark warning bell for businesses with high cash-turnover to review how they manage their risk.
Whilst investigations are underway to determine the precise financial loss in each case, the skill and frequency of these thefts are becoming worryingly apparent.
“Highly secured environments like this are still exposed to a significant number of risks which must be taken into account, managed, and have insurance procured for,” says Shehnaz Somers, Santam’s head of Commercial Underwriting.
“We work together with our clients to identify their risk exposure by surveying their business where necessary and advising them on risk mitigation which may include risk transfer via an insurance policy to make sure that they are fully covered and advising them on other precautions they may take,” says Somers
Increasingly complex measures required
Somers says the recent spate of cash-in-transit robberies are concerning. “The methods used by thieves are becoming increasingly complex and companies have sought new ways to combat this type of crime.”
One of the deterrents include the use of a cash staining dye within the cash box, which is a highly corrosive ink originally designed to destroy the cash. It is predominantly used to indelibly mark the cash and make it difficult to use.
“More recently, we’ve seen cash-in-transit companies such as G4S solutions announce robber-proof foam shields for their vans, as a means of mitigating their risk,” adds Somers.
She mentions that security will always be a challenge for any cash business. “Businesses must be aware of the risks which they are exposed to. By not having correct systems in place for their premises, money and personnel, and if they have inadequate insurance cover, the business owner could face devastation.”
Several recommended safety measures
Some safety measures high cash turnover businesses may consider in order to reduce or prevent crime include the following:
- Security is priority: Business owners should make sure that security measures, such as security lights, CCTV monitoring and alarms are in place, and that they are clearly visible and activated on the premises. Ensure that there is signage on the property informing potential criminals of the fact that security systems have been installed. Also test these systems and equipment regularly to ensure that they are in working order.
As additional security measures, business owners can install burglar bars, erect a security fence or wall around the premises, hire a reputable security company or start a community night watch programme with other local businesses.
“Businesses should however note that these measures alone won’t be sufficient for insurance purposes as other factors need to be taken into account, such as the location of the business,” says Somers.
- Alarm systems: Insurance cover for theft requires that an alarm at the business premises. To ensure insurance cover for theft, a business alarm must be switched on and be in good working order after business hours.
It is always advisable to check regularly that the system and its battery are in perfect condition. Ideally alarm systems should include panic buttons, tamper proof switches and passives, end of line resistance, contacts and possibly vibration switches on safes.
Armed response by a registered security company is often a requirement in terms of insurance policies.
- Cash on the premises: If your business has a cash register, remove all the money at night and leave the register open to deter break-ins. Always ensure that you bank as much of your cash as possible.
If a staff member leaves the company and has access to the safe, it is advisable to change the combination when they leave. They must also return keys or access cards when they leave.
Money is to be kept in a SABS approved safe. Insurance companies provide different levels of cover for loss of money stolen from safes, depending on the SABS grading of the safe e.g. a SABS category 5 would provide more security than an SABS category 1 safe.
- No routine: Vary the times of deliveries or when you do your banking. Sticking to the same schedule can make you an easy target for robbery.
- Insurance: Take out insurance for loss of, or damage to, money on your business premises, or while in transit to and from the bank. Businesses must remember to review and update their insurance policies on a regular basis.
