Cash security essential in shopping malls

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

"With the value of bank notes and coins in circulation estimated at over R100bn and mall robberies on the increase; shopping mall property managers and the retail industry are forced to make serious decisions regarding the public's safety and the safety of their employees. Another consideration is the loss of items of high intrinsic value, together with the risks associated with the cash handling process," says Grant Dunnington, Group CEO of SBV Services.

"One cannot put a price on the safety of employees, customers and the public and this is why the company has proactively sought solutions that are beneficial to retailers, banks and shopping malls where efficiencies are achieved, costs reduced and the shopping environment made safer for the public."

Shopping Mall Cash Recycling System

"Just over two years ago, the company, Business Against Crime, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, a major property group and one of South Africa's big four banks piloted the installation of the Shopping Mall Cash Recycling System at a large shopping mall in Gauteng. The system has been successful in reducing the potential for criminal activity at the mall.

For retail outlets and businesses that are situated inside a shopping centre, a shopping mall cash recycling system may be considered. Retailers place their cash into canisters and into a pneumatic tube system, from where it travels to a secure cash-hub.

Alternatively, a secure trolley is used to move cash within the shopping centre; a combination of biometric tracking technology and various self-protection devices secure the cash inside the trolley, without posing any risks to the public.

The Shopping Mall Cash Recycling System results in a much safer and efficient cash recycling process, as cash is readily available for retail orders, bank branches and for the replenishment of ATM machines. Surplus cash can be cleared immediately, once again minimising risks.

The company has invested in this concept and has since successfully implemented the system at six shopping malls and business premises nationwide.

"More sites are in the pipeline, as the system has not only proven to reduce the potential for criminal activity but is also beneficial to retailers and the banks, saving them time and costs."

Other solutions

The company invests in state of the art technology to protect its clients' premises, therefore items of high intrinsic value such as mobile phones and notebooks could be securely stored on behalf of retailers in its cash centre. Centres are located in a secure site, away from high traffic areas.

To complement the Shopping Mall Cash Recycling system, various solutions have been developed to assist retailers with the cash handling process:

• Dead cash costs businesses money as interest is lost while cash is kept in-store. However, daily visits to a bank branch are risky and time-consuming. The company has developed a secure web-based interface that provides instant visibility on banking transactions for retailers, while being safer and more efficient. The solution enables clients to capture their deposits, payroll, float and cash orders online.
  
• Another solution is a cash acceptance device; various devices are available depending on a retailer's cash volumes and clearance requirements.
  
• They reduce risk but also increase efficiencies
  
• Deposits are secure and accounted for electronically, thereby reducing the number of procedures involved in the cash clearance process and providing businesses with more control over their cash.
  
• Another advantage of a cash acceptance device is that it reduces the risks posed to the cash office and also internal theft as cash is cleared from tills more often and is validated once deposited.

"We take the fight against crime seriously and are proud to be associated with this system. Through industry collaboration, our relationship with key role players in law enforcement and investment in state-of-the-art technology, we can mitigate the risks that threaten the public's safety.

"Whilst there is no denying that cash is the payment method of choice and is very relevant to South Africans, handling of cash is not without risk. Hence, we are constantly seeking new and innovative solutions to ensure that the cash handling process is as safe and smooth as possible," concludes Grant.