Fidelity Services Group says the 142% increase in the number of Cash in Transit incidents reported across the industry in the latest police stats is even slightly lower than the numbers most recently issued by the South African Bank Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity says the variation could be as a result of a difference in classification and categorisation of crime when captured on the various platforms. “It does however remain very concerning that the spike has not abated, particularly in Gauteng and KZN which experienced the highest number of incidents. Fidelity’s numbers alone jumped from 44 incidents in 2020,” he says. The statistics show a huge increase between April – June which is also reflected in our figures. Bartmann says there is no distinct common reason for these attacks albeit the depressed economic climate which definitely does play a role in the increase in crime in general.
In the Fidelity footprint, vehicle attacks and cross pavement robberies remain most prevalent and this points to the need once again for more resources and collaboration between industry role-players. “We are approaching the last quarter of year which traditionally sees an increase in the number of incidents. We predict that we will continue to see the current high rate of attacks however we are working very closely with the other role-players and SAPS in intelligence driven operations to try and neutralise the threat and the syndicates behind these attacks.”
Bartmann says unfortunately crime is moving across provinces so everyone needs to stay on high alert. “Fidelity has continued to invest a lot of time, money and research into developing and onboarding technological defense mechanisms as well as in training our highly skilled officers. Even though we have successfully defended a number of the attacks urgent attention is needed to reduce these unacceptably high numbers.
The majority of the incidents are vehicle bombings and not only do these account for the biggest financial loss, but they often lead to fatalities as well and this is unacceptable,” he concludes.
ENDS