Security company warns clients to safeguard cash

Leading security company Safeguard Security has issued a security alert to customers warning them to avoid holding large sums of cash at home or at work.

This follows an increase in incidents involving thefts of cash and a warning from police in Harare that there are criminals in possession of powerful explosives and heavy arms who are blasting open safes.

Robbers reportedly blasted open a safe in a shop in Chitungwiza recently.

In a message emailed to customers, Safeguard said police had urged it to put in place measures it thinks will deter criminals.

"If you are holding significant sums of cash at home or work, please give real thought to banking it now," the message said.

As criminals become more daring, security companies are coming up with new and innovative ways to combat them.

A Safeguard spokesperson said there were numerous ways in which both businesses and individuals could safeguard their cash and property.

These included physical security solutions such as Xpanda security screens for doors and windows, security gates and fences, security guards, alarm systems connected to a rapid response service and closed circuit television (CCTV). He said Safeguard was able to link CCTV cameras to its rapid response centre so response teams knew what was happening at the premises where an alarm had been triggered.

Likewise Safeguard's Video Alarm sends video clips to its control centre when the alarm is triggered. There is an option that allows the rapid response control centre to speak to intruders over a speaker system and discharge pepper spray if they do not vacate the premises. This is particularly useful for premises which are left empty and unguarded.

Where significant amounts of cash are involved, it is wise to engage a security company to transport  it to the bank or between branches, the spokesperson said. He said Safeguard has armoured vehicles that it uses to ensure really tight security in transporting cash or other valuables. 

He said there were now technically advanced ways in which organisations and individuals could guard against the theft of cash and valuables.

One of the latest and most effective ways was the use of a fogging system, such as Safeguard's UR Fog, which releases a dense fog that reduces visibility to almost zero, when an alarm is activated. This makes it virtually impossible for thieves to steal anything as they are unable to see a thing.

"What you can't see, you can't steal," the spokesperson said.