“Don’t let a cash withdrawal put your life at risk”.
This is the message from the TTPS, as it investigates recent incidents of persons being robbed after visiting banks.
On Tuesday, a 56-year-old woman was robbed of $22,000 in Maraval, while a 37-year-old woman had $20,000 stolen from her in the Trincity Mall carpark.
The TTPS is now urging persons to exercise extreme caution when withdrawing or transporting large sums of cash.
It warns that criminals may be monitoring customers outside financial institutions and could follow them before seizing an opportunity to strike on the street, at a traffic stop, or at their homes or businesses.
“No amount of money is worth your life. The safest cash is the cash you don’t carry,” says the TTPS statement.
It is encouraging persons to use safer payment methods wherever possible, including:
- Online and mobile banking transfers.
- Direct deposits and bank-to-bank (ACH) transfers.
- Manager’s cheques or company cheques.
- Debit cards, credit cards and point-of-sale payments.
- Arrangements with their financial institutions for the secure handling of large transactions.
If withdrawals must be made, it is advising the public to take the following precautions:
- Keep your plans private. Avoid discussing your withdrawal plans in person, over the phone or on social media.
- Vary your routines. Where possible, change your banking days, times and routes.
- Exercise discretion at the bank. Ask whether a private area is available and avoid counting cash in public view.
- Take someone you trust. Where possible, have a trusted person accompany you.
- Stay alert. Be aware of anyone who appears to be watching or following you, both inside and outside the financial institution.
- Go directly to your destination. Avoid unnecessary stops after withdrawing cash.
Never leave cash in your vehicle. This applies even if the vehicle is locked, the money is concealed, or you intend to be away for only a few minutes. - Act if you suspect you are being followed. Do not proceed to your home. Instead, travel to the nearest police station or a busy public place where you can seek assistance.
- Consider professional cash-in-transit services. Businesses that regularly deposit or withdraw large sums should explore secure transportation arrangements.
The TTPS insists that victims of crime are never to blame for the actions of offenders, but maintains that taking reasonable precautions when handling large sums of cash can help reduce exposure to risk and protect individuals, their families and their livelihoods.
