Secure banking – some people do and some people do not.

How are your banking procedures?

I have seen the same designated staff member take money to the bank, on the same day at the same time and with an identifiable bank bag with the logo imprinted. Every time I see this (which is unfortunately often) I have to remind myself we are in the 21st century. It does however remind me of those old time Westerns where the bank clerk would walk around with large amounts of money in bags. And they usually got shot and robbed.

Why is that people of today seem to be unconscious of the huge risk they are taking with their money and their life? Anyone who is too relaxed in their banking habits will eventually attract a visit from a robber. And it could even result in someone’s injury or death. We just can’t predict when…

And what is more amazing is that the banks don’t seem to discourage this activity. They claim it’s not their responsibility, but they are very happy to receive money from their customers without encouraging secure banking practices. Complacency and a belief that it will never happen to me are the two reasons that people are often targets of robbery.

Here are some safe and simple banking procedures that are relatively free or low cost to implement.

Let’s do it right and keep staff and bystanders a little safer.

Starting with how much money you are taking to the bank.

If you are carrying around $500 in cash per day to the bank, consider a security courier service. This may seem a small amount but people have been robbed for much less and you may be putting your staff or yourself at risk. Consider hiring a professional security provider who is approved and licensed by your country or State’s authority. These people are trained, they have guns, procedures, armed vans, back up on call and they’re insured.

Is your staff member ready to take on the risk of being robbed ?

Encourage all payments to be check, transfer or card, as this will decrease cash on site.

If, for whatever reason, you have decided to stay with in-house cash to bank, then here are some important procedures that you need to put into place. Be advised, however, as an employer you will be held liable, if anything does happen and you could also be sued directly for any damages or injury incurred.

Consider these points…

• Firstly, select a staff member who you trust, is quite aware of their surroundings, is mature in their outlook, and preferably has some experience in security measures.
• Ensure that this person has a cell phone with police and your business numbers on speed dial.
• Ensure that they have a shockproof watch.
• Ensure that they have a personal attack alarm that they can easily press.
• DO NOT give them any weapons to take with them, these can be easily used on your staff member or other innocent people.
• If banking everyday, go at a different time each day. Pick a time randomly every day.
• Send another staff member with this person. Two pairs of eyes and ears are better.

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