New innovations in bomb protection and cash storage

Issue 3 2022 Security Services & Risk Management, Products & Solutions

The recent increase in retail bombing, grinding and impact attacks on cash acceptance devices (CAD) in the retail sector has prompted a relook at the technology required to protect both staff and assets.

Gawie Du Preez, executive: Fidelity CashMaster at Fidelity Services Group, says Fidelity CashMaster is one of the larger players when it comes to cash storage devices and cash management solutions with over 5000 devices installed countrywide.

Fidelity CashMaster solutions offer businesses a customised end-to-end cash management solution. The company provides a range of products from small under counter cash devices through to large scale devices for small, medium and large businesses. “We also offer financial management software and productivity enhancing processes and procedures to improve business throughput,” says Du Preez. Together with Fidelity’s integrated cash-in-transit services it provides customers with a full turnkey solution allowing them to manage their cash from their property to the bank and back again.

Du Preez says that unfortunately, bombings are a reality that every device manufacturer needs to contend with, particularly with the lack of control over access to explosives. The high number of CIT incidents remains a concern. In 2021, CIT attacks increased by 8% year-on-year and in 2022, most of the reported CIT incidents (66 as of 12 April), were cross-pavement robberies, followed by attacks on armoured vehicles. This trend affects all canister safe manufacturers equally, he says. Syndicates have become increasingly sophisticated requiring ongoing updates in technology innovation.

“Fortunately, additional measures have been introduced, such as ensuring all safes have concrete inside and are steel-plated which have served as a deterrent to criminals. As an added layer of protection, bag security features have been introduced which completely disable access to the money in the device and this has deterred criminals looking for quick gains. The problem, however, remains that even if the money is destroyed, the damage to the client’s premises can be extensive resulting in loss of business.”

Du Preez says over the last 12 months Fidelity has introduced a number of new advancements. The first is the Gatekeeper, which is the first product of its type specifically designed for the petroleum and fast-food industries that offer 24/7 trading. It includes a secondary door with a time-delay lock which can be fitted to any CAMEO Cash Acceptance Device. “It not only protects the note acceptor openings from tampering by explosives during high-risk hours – traditionally between 20:00 and 06:00 – but can also be deactivated during secure business hours. Clearly this protects both the asset and prevents damage to property and staff.”

The second innovation is a bomb-resistant safe which is able to stay intact even after an explosion. “It releases the explosive force,” explains Du Preez, “but keeps the safe structure intact and keeps the money safe.”

Recently, Fidelity introduced the CashMaster Cube. “This is ideal for deployment in any logistics or delivery vehicle as well as offering a secure cash solution for the smaller retailer as a manual drop safe,” says Du Preez.

This unique product offers SARB and SABS approved new generation liquid dye stain, the most successful deterrent to any criminal attack in the market. Du Preez says it sends a message to criminals that there is no point trying to steal cash protected by dye staining systems because they will be unable to use the cash afterwards. The small footprint is designed to fit into most delivery vehicles and is ideal for retail, financial, hotel and logistical environments.

“We understand that exposure to violent armed robbery increases proportionately to the amount of cash either in tills or back offices and appreciate that some sectors are more vulnerable than others. As the syndicates evolve, so too is there a necessity for our research and development teams to work on new solutions that will revolutionise our fight against crime/bombings/grindings and we are delighted to have two new offerings,” concludes Du Preez.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hikvision launches AcuSeek NVR
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
By integrating natural language interaction, Hikvision’s AcuSeek NVR enables precise video and image retrieval within seconds, marking a transformative milestone for the security industry's advance into intelligent and efficient applications.

Read more...
Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
Risk management and compliance enforcement
Security Services & Risk Management
Having a risk management and compliance programme (RMCP) is not just a procedural formality; it is a legal requirement under Section 42 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).

Read more...
The dangers of poor-quality solar cables
Security Services & Risk Management Smart Home Automation
Reports indicate that one in six fires attended by South African firefighters is linked to substandard solar installations, often due to faulty wiring or incompatible components.

Read more...
Growing risks for employers
Security Services & Risk Management
With South Africa’s unemployment rate exceeding 32% and expected to rise beyond 33% this year, desperation is fuelling deception in the job market. Trust is no longer a given, it is a gamble.

Read more...
Chubbsafes celebrates 190 years
Gunnebo Safe Storage Africa News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Chubbsafes marks its 190th anniversary in 2025 and as a highlight of the anniversary celebrations it is launching the Chubbsafes 1835, a limited edition 190th-anniversary collector’s safe.

Read more...
New law enforcement request portal
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
inDrive launches law enforcement request portal in South Africa to support safety investigations. New portal allows authorised South African law enforcement officials to securely request user data related to safety incidents.

Read more...
Continuous AML risk monitoring
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
AU10TIX, launched continuous risk monitoring as part of its advanced anti-money laundering (AML) solution, empowering businesses to detect behavioural anomalies and emerging threats as they arise.

Read more...
Growing risks for employers
Security Services & Risk Management
With South Africa’s unemployment rate exceeding 32% and expected to rise beyond 33% this year, desperation is fuelling deception in the job market. Trust is no longer a given, it’s a gamble.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.