POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING a robbery which occurred about 9:30 a.m. today at Coconut Walk, Hastings, Christ Church, near to Scotiabank.
Police say a man was about to enter the bank when he was attacked by a masked man. The victim was struck on his head with an object and an undisclosed sum of money was stolen. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance.
The Royal Barbados Police Force has advised business owners and individuals to be increasingly vigilant when transporting cash.
“Consideration should be given to employing a cash-carrying company if large amounts of money on a regular basis.
“Leaving business premises with cash in hand can be high risk, and the cash carrier will be most vulnerable at the start or finish of the journey,” acting Assistant Superintendent David Welch said.
Early reports said the man was carrying a briefcase which was snatched by his attacker. The branch was temporarily closed as investigations were conducted.
The police public relations officer issued a number of tips to prevent crime when transporting cash.
– Vary delivery and pick-up times daily to remove the predictability of cash movement and times.
– Always use adult staff to take cash to the bank. If possible have more than one person to help escort the money.
– Don’t carry cash in a marked bank or canvas money bag. If you carry the money in a bag, use one that does not look as though it holds money.
– Use the quickest route and the busiest streets to the bank. Walk towards oncoming traffic rather than have traffic coming up behind you.
– Carry a mobile phone.
– If you are driving to the bank, try to vary the route
– Be alert for suspicious persons or vehicles that may be following you or at your destination
– Lock car doors while you are en route to the bank. (PR/NB)
