Robbers target those keeping cash at home or office

Crime is increasing. With so many people now out of formal employment, instances of robbery and theft are likely to continue to escalate, a leading security company has warned.

A Safeguard Security spokesman said the country was witnessing a more organised approach to robbery and theft, targeting those who were keeping cash at home or in the office.

"Crime is definitely on the rise. We are seeing a more organised approach and those holding cash are a definite target," the spokesman said.

Two safes were blown open last month. In Bindura a safe was blown open and cash taken. A safe in a shop in Chitungwiza was earlier in the month also blasted open.

In Harare and Bulawayo there were people robbed of cash either on their way home with the day's business takings or after drawing cash from the bank for wages.

"The police are doing a great job in following up major crimes and apprehending the criminals responsible for them, as evidenced by the recent arrest within just two days of a gang that attempted to hold up a cash-in-transit vehicle," the Safeguard spokesman said.

"However, we all need to be sensible and take basic steps to ensure we do not fall victim to crime. That includes keeping as little cash as possible at home or in the office," he said.

In a message to its own clients, Safeguard made the same point.

"With so many people now out of formal employment crime will continue to escalate. Get sensible with cash and how much you carry. Get your employees onto a bank system to avoid cash payments," Safeguard said in an e-mail to clients.

"Look again at your security at home and work, and ensure that what you have in place is working and covers your needs. Get your cellphone panic on track with our centre so that we can assist if you have an issue away from home."

The cellphone panic button is a facility Safeguard offers to its rapid response customers, enabling them to summon Safeguard's assistance even when they are away from their alarmed premises.

When they press the pre-programmed panic button on their cellphone, an emergency alert goes through to Safeguard's rapid response centre, which calls them back to find out the nature of the emergency and where they are situated.

The panic button can be used for any emergency. If it is a non-security emergency, such as a car breakdown, the response centre phones an appropriate service provider on the client's behalf.

If the emergency is of a security nature, then the response service reacts immediately. If, for instance, a person driving home or to or from the bank suspects that another car is following him or her, the cellphone panic button can be used and the nearest Safeguard response team will come to his or her assistance.

"People carrying cash, should always be on the alert for the possibility they are being followed. If they think they are, then they should continue driving, instead of driving up to their gate. If they do not have our cellphone panic button then they should drive to the nearest police station," the Safeguard spokesman said.

"It is always advisable to keep car doors locked when travelling and be especially alert when stopping at traffic lights, stopping to open one's gate or taking money to the bank.

"Better still, when money needs to be banked, hire a trustworthy security company to carry the cash for you, especially if it is a significant amount. Do not keep more than the minimum amount of cash at home or at the office," the spokesman warned. "If you do, you may be making yourself a target," he added.