Tackling highway robbery

War against cash-in-transit heists steps up with specialised training

In an attempt to address the spate of robberies in the cash-in-transit (CIT) industry and protect CIT securities, SBV has opened up their bespoke security training and cash services training academies to the security industry.

According to SBV, between January and April there were 34 incidents of cash-in-transit robberies in the Eastern Cape, compared to nine in the same period last year. The cash services’ group CEO, Mark Barrett said the training programme would be facilitated by experienced instructors with military backgrounds who have been exposed to CIT robberies and attempted robberies.

“SA’s CIT officers are tasked with protecting our cash economy and it’s critical they are prepared to react appropriately,” said Barrett.

He said the decision to open the training academy was one of their commitments to collaborate with the private and public sector to uplift the rest of the cash services industry and to prepare officers for any crisis they might encounter while carrying out their duties.

The academies will be based throughout the country and in the Eastern Cape, and local training would be carried out at the EL SBV base and in PE.

More information on the training programmes offered at the academy, qualifications required and the duration of the training can be found by visiting SBV’s website on www.sbv.co.za.

Picture: MARK ANDREWS LINE OF FIRE: Members of the SAPS at the scene in Usher Street, in Southernwood, where a SBV cash-in-transit van was dumped by robbers.