Cash Security Advice
Cash has always been the primary target of criminals, so therefore the protection of cash should be given a high priority. Criminals in pursuit of cash are in many instances armed with firearms, hammers, iron bars or other dangerous weapons. There have been many cases where people handling/carrying cash have been killed or seriously injured at the hands of armed criminals. In this regard, it is vital that personal safety should be of major importance.
While it may not be possible to prevent every armed robbery, things can be made much more difficult for raiders by people being more security conscious and aware of the dangers involved in cash-handling and by taking necessary precautions.
GUIDELINES : –
The following general recommendations should add significantly to improving the situation for people involved in cash handling and help to thwart the efforts of criminals:
Cash tills: – Avoid letting large amounts of cash accumulate in cash tills. A minimum amount should be decided upon. Larger amounts should be deposited in time-delay / time-lock safe.
If time-delay / time-locking is used, a suitable notice indicating the use of such should be prominently displayed.
Cash office: – Ensure that Cash Office is of solid construction and that the complete structure including door(s), window(s) and fittings will resist forcible entry by criminals with firearms, sledge hammers and such weapons. Strict access-control of persons entering should be exercised. Control of entry should be from within the office. Nobody should be in a position to enter except they are let in.
Ideally, a lobby with two interlocking, electronically controlled doors leading to cash area will give a higher degree of security. Where relevant, cash transfers to and from the office may be by indirect method asuch as drop-tray or transfer ports. Ideally, cash should be held under time-delay/time locking safe, as already referred to, with appropriate notice indicating use of such locking system.
Intruder Alarm: – There should be personal attack alarm buttons (portable of fixed) adjacent to likely hold-up points. The alarm system should conform with current Irish Standard 199 and have a connection to a Central Monitoring Station.
Close-Circuit Television: – C.C.T.V. monitoring and recording by an efficient, well-installed and maintained system should be considered to cover likely hold-up points.
Movements of Cash: – If cash risk is substantial, consider using the services of a reliable Security Company. When cash is being moved in or out of premises, ensure that area is thoroughly checked and certain entry/exit points secured to prevent the possibility of cash carriers being ambushed inside the building or indeed in the immediate vicinity.
People involved in the movement of cash should be alert at all times and should anything arouse suspicion they should call the Gardaí (dial 999). Trips to the Bank, where possible, should be made by car. Able-bodied persons should carry out this task – at least two such persons. Unescorted ladies or young persons should not be allowed carry cash to or from the Bank.
Precautions should begin with varying, as much as possible, time and routes of such journeys. Be discrete. Avoid the use of tell-tale canvas bag that shows the thief you are carrying money, thus attracting him to snatching it quickly. Where possible carry notes in pockets and bulky change in cash case. There are different types of alarmed and protected cash-carrying cases on the market and consideration should be given to using one of these.
If using Bank night-safe be extremely cautious. Watch for persons loitering in vicinity or sitting in parked cars. If in doubt postpone lodgement and pass particulars of suspect persons or vehicles to the Gardaí. Should you discover lock is blocked or "out of order" sign affixed to night safe, never post wallet in Bank letter box. Report anything suspicious to the Gardaí. If you have a good quality, properly anchored safe with time-lock facility and the protection of an effective alarm system on your premises, you may consider holding cash overnight for deposit the following day. Again, vary your times of making deposits.
Key Holding: – Where possible devise a system where it requires at least two persons to gain access to cash, e.g. proprietor holds keys of premises, manager holds key/code of alarm system or split-key arrangement to open safe. Arrangements can be made to have unscheduled openings of premises after normal locking-up time monitored by Alarm Company’s Monitored Centre. Always exercise caution when answering the door after hours. Fit and use a door viewer and a door limiter/chain in conjunction with an outside light. Telephone calls, when related to matter of key-holding, should be treated with suspicion. Such calls, for whatever reason, should be confirmed by returning the call. Any suspicious calls should be notified to the Gardaí immediately.
General: – It should be appreciated that each situation in relation to cash handling or movement will be different. The foregoing are only some general guidelines and are not meant to cover every situation.
From a safety point of view, the use of a cashless system such as Credit/Bank Cards, payment of wages by cheque or by direct debit, etc. is more appropriate. Garda Crime Prevention Officers advise such a course and many organisations and business concerns are changing to paying employees by such means.
If you are in the Dublin area and require further advice you may contact the Garda Crime Prevention Unit at Harcourt Square, Dublin 2 (Tel: 01.6663362), or if outside Dublin contact your local Crime Prevention Officer. If making any security changes particularly in relation to installing an alarm system or a safe, you are advised to discuss the matter with your Insurance Company.