As we approach the last quarter of the year, we know that traditionally the number of cash-in-transit (CIT) attacks increased. Fidelity Services Group says the number one priority if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being caught near a Cash In Transit (CIT) robbery is to make your safety a priority.
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group provides consumers with the following important safety tips.
- When observing a cash-in-transit incident, try and put as much distance between your vehicle and the crime scene
- Do not exit your vehicle as you could get caught in the crossfire. Try to vacate the area if possible
- Never approach perpetrators of cash in transit as they are armed and dangerous. Always remember your safety first
- Do not place yourself in inevitable danger. Criminals may react irrationally when seeing you.
- Avoid any form of eye or physical contact
- If caught in the vicinity of a CIT robbery make sure that you do not switch off your vehicle in case you need to escape the incident. Keep your engine running at all times
- Share videos that you have taken with the authorities rather than posting them on social media. This could assist with the apprehension of the criminals. Posting on your social media channels which get shared broadly, may jeopardize the case
- Immediately notify the police. Contact SAPS when you find yourself in a CIT heist but, remember that it is always about your safety first. The SAPS contact number for emergencies is 10111
- If you are at a shopping center and witness a cross-pavement heist near an ATM, the same advice applies. If you are not in your car keep as much distance between yourself and the perpetrators as possible. Rather lie flat on the floor to avoid being caught in the crossfire if any shots are fired. Again, notify the authorities or center management as quickly as possible.
“Remember, these syndicates are highly trained and dangerous so caution has to be exercised,” Bartmann confirmed that Fidelity would be stepping up patrols and surveillance over the next three months.
