SBV joins forces to launch industry association

SBV joins forces to launch industry association focused on fight against cash-in-transit crime in South Africa

Houghton, 28th February 2020 — The increase in cash-in-transit (CIT) crime in South Africa over the month of February 2020 has received significant public attention.

Cash service companies, including SBV, have a key role to play in driving collaboration between all industry stakeholders, as well as the public, to fight CIT crime and reduce the level of occurrences sustainably.

A milestone was reached in June 2018, when major South African banks united to fund the establishment of a joint project to share and support CIT capabilities. Over the past 18 months, this effort contributed to a significant decrease in CIT crimes with some months recording as few as 14 incidents. Mark Barrett, Group CEO of SBV says, “SBV recognises that the close working relationship across the country coupled with the outstanding support from all of the authorities, from SBV’s employees and from members of the public played a major role in bringing the situation under control.”

Following the positive results achieved by the joint project, cash services companies are now in the early stages of forming a CIT association with the purpose of improving unity and alignment in combatting CIT crimes. The success of the association will require active support from individual companies.

SBV is a business that prides itself in being a People First Organisation and this means prioritising safety first. To this end, SBV has committed to the following actions:

• The issuing the correct safety equipment, making sure that employees have appropriate support, excellent training and access to the best technology.
• The development of plans to deploy an increased number of teams for tactical support capability and rapid response to incidents across the country.
• Maintaining strong, ongoing efforts to work together with the SAPS, Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, crime prevention networks and other CIT companies to combat cash-in-transit crime.
• Raising of public awareness regarding cash-in-transit crime through social media and public awareness campaigns, making the public more aware of the role we play in moving money.

SBV continues to appeal to members of the public with any information that will assist in combatting cash-in-transit crime and request that if they see any suspicious activities or have information regarding CIT attacks to contact SBV’s Early Warning Robbery Hotline. This line is active 24/7, and members of the public may contact 083 408 7029 to provide information to SBV’s investigations team. All callers can be assured that confidentiality is maintained.

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