NSS GroupHow to Protect Your Money in Transit
The term Cash in Transit (CIT) refers to the physical transportation of cash and other valuables from one location to another. It could involve the transfer of cash between at banks, automatic teller machines (ATMs), business premises, large retailers, licensed venues and so forth. By law, Cash in Transit is subject to the same legislation and regulations of the security industry and, as such, most CIT services are provided by security specialists.
Why are CIT services necessary?
Whether opportunistic or organised, thieves know that business premises are more than likely to have large amounts of cash or other valuables on-site. For this reason, businesses become targets of criminals. Furthermore, while cash and valuables kept on-site may be protected by various electronic security systems, transferring these items from one location to another represents the perfect opportunity for thieves to strike.
CIT services offer businesses of all sizes the peace of mind in knowing that, once in the hand of a CIT operator, their cash and valuables are fully insured and under the safest protection possible, with personnel trained in the safest ways to handle cash without exposing themselves to risk.
How does CIT work?
The two most common ways to handle CIT pickups are as follows:
- Armoured car collection. This involves the use of heavily-armoured and highly-secured vehicles that have been specially designed to resist attempts at theft or hijacking. Generally, the vehicles will contain bullet-proof glass and reinforced shells. They are also guarded by trained security personnel — generally, there will be a driver, a guard carrying the cash or valuables, and another guard to protect the first guard. Sometimes, in two-man cars, the driver will also perform the role of protector.
- Discreet collection. Commonly referred to as “soft skin” collection, this refers to cash pickup services performed by plain-clothed, covert individuals — usually dressed as a courier or similar — in order to avoid drawing attention to the cash pick-up process. They will also work from an unmarked car. This type of collection is sometimes preferred by medium-sized businesses such as fast food outlets.
The role of the CIT operator
The necessary skills and competencies of the CIT operator may vary. For example, most CIT vehicles fall under the category of heavy vehicles and, as such, the driver must have a heavy vehicle licence. Primarily, however, the CIT operator must be trained in elements of security, surveillance, emergency communication devices, firearms and other devices for personal protection. They will also generally need a security guard licence, a firearms licence and a first aid certificate.
CIT armed robberies
CIT armed robberies are usually planned by multiple offenders possessing firearms and seeking substantial amounts of cash or valuables. In fact, CIT robbers are generally found to be some of the most organised criminals you’ll find, and many perform armed robberies for a living.
In comparison with countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom, Australia has a relatively low number of CIT robberies, but that’s not to say they cannot occur. As such, the presence of trained security personnel and proper CIT practices are essential for Australian businesses of all sizes.
