Movement of cash to and from banks and other premises should be governed by a number of basic rules:

Cash should be banked as often as possible, and not allowed to accumulate on the premises.

Because of their vulnerability, juniors, the elderly, the infirm or new employees should not be used.

The messenger should preferably go by vehicle with a second person as driver.

In all cases sufficient escort should be provided. Accompanied pedestrian messengers should face oncoming traffic to obviate ambush by a following vehicle.

A special waistcoat or alarm bag should be used. The first and last hundred yards are the most likely to attack, especially the point of entrance to the office.

The vehicle used should be varied; do not use taxis.

Where large sums are involved, the receptacle should be anchored to the floor of the vehicle

Drivers should view with suspicion any accidents, unexplained traffic, other distractions or following vehicles and when carrying money keep doors and windows fastened.

Night safe facilities are useful, especially Saturday or Sunday afternoons. Money should not be exposed until the night safe door is open.

Where covert marking is in operation eg. Smart water or micro-dots this fact should be clearly advertised. Warning stickers should be attached to all equipment and appropriately worded signage mounted on external walls and the doors. The fact that the marking is covert means the thief does not know it is there, so unless clearly advertised, it may aid recovery but it will not deter the initial theft

Cash Handling Companies

Where substantial sums are regularly moved, the services of a cash handling company should be considered, to remove risk to your staff.

These companies will not only take or collect money from a bank but also packet and pay out wages at any hour of the day at quite a reasonable charge, accepting the loss and guaranteeing replacement in case of an attack.

When they are employed, whether for cash or computer data, the contact must specify the exact place where delivery will be accepted, e.g. "The chief cashier's office on the third floor" so that there is no ambiguity as to when the performance of the contract is completed and, therefore, no argument in the event of an insurance claim should theft occur on the premises.

Photographs and signatures of the security company's personnel must be produced on every occasion before the cheque or cash is handed over.

Should the collector be a stranger or fail to produce his company identity card, his bona fides should be established by a telephone call to his branch manager.