Police are at this hour on the scene of a robbery outside the Scotiabank branch in Coconut Walk, Hastings, Christ Church. According to reports a customer who had just completed a transaction was attacked and his belongings stolen.
The bank has been temporarily closed following the incident.
Following is the full text of the police statement on the robbery:
“Police are investigating a robbery which occurred about 9.30 am at Coconut Walk, Hastings, Christ Church, near to the Scotia Bank, on Monday 10th November, 2014.
A man was about to enter the Scotia Bank at Coconut Walk, 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. The victim was taken to the QEH by ambulance.
The RBPF is advising 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.
Prevention advice
- 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. ” (End of text)
Scotiabank branch at Coconut Walk, Hastings.