Cash safe bombings on rapid rise

CASH safes are not quite so safe anymore.

According to Cash Connect Management Solutions joint CEO Richard Phillips, deposit machines containing large amounts of cash are now the primary focus for organised crime syndicates.

‘They are using plastic explosives to gain access to cash in transit vehicles, ATMs and retail stores by means of armed robberies.

‘While this is not a new trend, 2015 saw a significant increase in the bombing of cash deposit machines, in particular light-weight deposit machines.

‘While official statistics are not available, it is generally believed that attacks in 2016 will be far greater than that of the last two years.’

The Consumer Goods Council of SA stressed the importance of protecting the retail environment, since this accounts for nearly 15% of our GDP.

To substantiate the retail sector’s contribution to our economy, Statistics South Africa (SSA) reported that in December 2014 this amounted to an estimated R707-billion.

Currently, there are 52 armed robbery attacks and 204 burglaries including device bombings on South African businesses every day.

According to a recent report for the period of 21 months ending January 2016, 36% of total acts of crime against a measured retail sample were armed robberies, 11% were cash device bombings and 53% of these retailers experienced burglaries.

Phillips said the goal should be to enable businesses to operate more efficiently and securely.

‘Cash vault technology, built to SABS Category 4 standards, has been vigorously tested on numerous occasions over the past few years by determined and organised criminals using every kind of tool from explosives to sledge hammers.

‘It has undeniably delivered on the level of deterrence and defence, necessary to discourage a repetitive continuance of the scourge of violent crime.

‘Light-weight deposit devices cannot reasonably be expected to deter robbers in their pursuit of easy money.

‘The fact is that these devices are often readily and very quickly penetrated or even simply uplifted and stolen.’

He added that more than 90% of these robberies happen with the help of insider participation.

‘With this insider help robbers are able to plan and assess the extent of the ‘reward’ and the resistance they will encounter to get it.

‘The softer the target, the more vulnerable it will always be.

‘The South African market has been flooded with organisations who simply sell deposit machines.

‘When looking for the right service provider for your business, be sure to choose a provider that can reliably and effectively mitigate the risk in your business.’

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