Crime trends predict surge in cash and business robberies during April

April 2017 Security Services & Risk Management

While the retail sector is trying to recover from the spate of violent armed robberies in December, the next peak season for crime is right on our doorstep.

“All indications suggest that the retail sector experienced over 150% increase in robberies in 2016. In the same period, the use of plastic explosives in attempts to steal from cash deposit devices increased by over 400%. We can reasonably expect to see a spike in business crime during April as consumers go on holiday and the volume of cash increases at retail stores across the country,” says Richard Phillips, joint CEO of Cash Connect Management Solutions.

As consumers plan to take a break, criminals certainly don’t prepare to take time off – this is in fact their peak period for business. The trends show that syndicates attack in groups of 6 to 12 armed men, with armed robberies as the highest number of attacks, closely followed by business burglaries.

The common use of plastic explosives in the execution of an armed robbery against cash deposit devices and the dramatic increase in this kind of attack suggests that criminals are enjoying an abnormally high degree of success and that many of the devices in use are not strong enough to offer the type of resistance necessary to discourage them.

During a burglary, the findings show that general retail stores that only trade during the day time are attacked when the stores are closed for business - the pattern with these occurrences is that an assortment of cutting machines, angle grinders and the like are generally used to access the safes.

Security professionals caution that robberies are more often than not executed with careful planning by organised crime syndicates who collect as much information about the target as is possible. Information about the amount of cash and the general what, when and how the cash is protected is gleaned from within the business either by observation or by the help of employees or contractors, and in some cases, both.

It is a commonly held view in the security industry that more than 90% of all attacks on business involve voluntary or involuntary participation from the inside.

The official crime statistics for the period 2015/2016 show a 15% increase in attacks on cash in transit vehicles and while they are primarily responsible for moving the R130 billion in circulation in South Africa, the CIT industry is expected to remain high on the criminal agenda.

Criminals are without a doubt becoming smarter and more determined in their methods. Their common use of explosives is indicative of how better skilled they are becoming.

“Time is a very important consideration of the attackers. The practice by some retail organisations, of closing their stores or, in larger operations, the cash collection precinct within the store, during the CIT collection, has proved to be a particularly successful tactic in countering and reducing the risk for attack during the store’s most vulnerable time of day,” says Phillips

He adds that in his experience only hardened and robust cash deposit devices offer meaningful resistance to the very violent attacks to which they are exposed. Over December, Cash Connect experienced 10 attacks on its cash vaults and every one of them was defended. A simple cash device that is constructed of mild steel plate and very light in weight, can’t reasonably be expected to safeguard cash.

With many of the latest attacks, CCTV footage shows that criminals are able to disable alarm systems and proceed straight to the cash vault, in a manner that suggests a familiarity with the layout of the store and where the cash is kept.

Armed reaction companies suggest that businesses should make sure there is more than one panic button with quick, easy access of armed response on site. The jamming of security systems and devices is also a common tactic used to block the signals that go to the security company. The use of an alarm system connected to both a radio transmitter and landline could counter this.

“Our cash vault technology, which is built to SABS Category 4 standards, has been vigorously tested over the past few years by determined 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 attack of violent crime,” says Phillips.

For more information contact Cash Connect Management Solutions, +27 (0)11 466 0794, [email protected], www.cashconnect.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

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...
Managing mining physical security risks
Zulu Consulting Security Services & Risk Management Mining (Industry) Facilities & Building Management
[Sponsored] Risk-IO, a web app from Zulu Consulting, is designed to assist risk managers in automating and streamlining enterprise risk management processes, ensuring no steps are skipped and everything is securely documented.

Read more...
SAFPS issues SAPS impersonation scam warning
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) is warning the public against a scam in which scammers pose as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and trick and intimidate individuals into handing over personal and financial information.

Read more...
Rewriting the rules of reputation
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management
Public Relations is more crucial than ever in the generative AI and LLMs age. AI-driven search engines no longer just scan social media or reviews, they prioritise authoritative, editorial content.

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.