Protective Measures to take during a Cash-in-Transit heist
It is estimated there are at least six cash-in-transit (CIT) heists in South Africa every week.
As we approach the end of the year, crime across all spheres see an increase in general - and CIT heists are not excluded from this.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says CITs are some of the most violent crimes in South Africa.
“It is an organised crime where individuals each have their role and orchestrate this role without concern for anyone or any passersby who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
“If you are caught up in a CIT heist it is an extremely dangerous and traumatic experience. The unfortunate reality is that there are times when being caught in a CIT is unavoidable. Despite this, there are certain steps you can take when driving that can help you potentially avoid this dangerous situation or reduce the risk you face should it be unavoidable,”
says Herbert.
- Create distance: if you see a cash van while driving, create distance between yourself and the van. When encountering a CIT vehicle at a place where cash is being loaded, move as far away as possible even, if necessary, returning later when the vehicle has moved on.
- Avoid paranoia: if a CIT vehicle is sharing the road with you remain rational when choosing what to do. Some choose actions that may seem as bordering on paranoia. With modern GPS an alternative route can easily plotted without taking drastic action.
- Safety space: if you are unable to create this distance due to congestion or other reasons, keep a car length between your vehicle and the car in front and, where possible, a gap on either side and behind your vehicle.
- Keep it running: do not switch your vehicle off when near a CIT vehicle whether in a parking lot or on the road.
- Be ready: stay in gear and be ready to move away swiftly, but safely, should something happen.
- Stay put: if gunfire starts, the vehicle is the safest place to be. Move as low as you can in your seat and do not exit the vehicle. Contrary to what Hollywood movies lead us to believe, gunfire causing a vehicle to explode is highly unlikely.
- Personal safety first: while it may be tempting to make a viral video, this lowers your awareness and ability to take actions that prioritise your safety.
- Don’t panic: while this experience is incredibly frightening, it is essential to be intentional in your reactions. Do not react without making sure this does not endanger you or others more. Carefully assess the situation, find a safe escape route and avoid swerving into traffic where other drivers may be panicked as well.
- Be aware: looking 12 seconds ahead assists in quickly identifying a potentially risky situation before chaos erupts.
- Revert to basics: maintaining a following distanced will always ensure you have space to manoeuvre in an emergency.
In South Africa, CIT heists are inevitable.
“The priority is to quickly identify a risky situation and move away as quickly as possible. If this is not possible, there are still measures one can take to minimise the risk as much as possible,”
says Herbert.
