Transport of valuables – high risk of violence and threats of violence

Transports of valuables run a high risk of being exposed to violence and threats of violence. It is therefore important to prevent risks through active and safety-creating measures.

Assess the risks throughout the entire transportation

Consider the risks involved in the entire transport operation and how it is organised. Keep in mind that transfers of valuables occur both within and outside the workplaces involved, for example from cash register to office or from a workplace to a service box.

Take into account how buildings and premises are designed at all workplaces that are included in the transport of valuables.

Particularly risky points are at loading bays and rear doors when it is difficult for employees to have an overview. For example, there may be pillars, bushes and stacks of goods where someone can hide. Transport from a closed shopping centre is also risky.

Robberies of valuables in transit often occur at the beginning or end of the transport route. A particular risk is the so-called kerbside moment, which is the most vulnerable situation during transport.

Choose measures to minimise the risks

Once you have gone through the entire transport chain, you know which risks you want to address. Suggested measures

  • Always store money securely while awaiting cash transport, for example in a safe.

  • It may often be appropriate for the transport to be carried out by cash-in-transit companies. If this is not possible, investigate how employees can carry out the transport of valuables with the greatest possible security. Describe in procedures how the transports will be carried out. For example, the procedures may state that loading and unloading should be done as quickly as possible and that employees should always demand identification if they are stopped by the police.

  • Check that the person who will be transporting valuables has the information and training needed to carry out the work with the least possible risk. They should have good training in security and in the procedures you have for transporting valuables. If several employees are affected, written instructions may be necessary.

  • Vary procedures, times and routes for transport. Also vary the equipment to reduce the risk of someone noticing the transport. When transporting by vehicle, you can use different vehicles on different occasions.

    Use procedures that make it difficult for unauthorised persons to detect that certain people regularly walk or travel from the workplace to the bank or post office.

  • If possible, carry out transport during the day. Deposit daily cash in safety deposit boxes or similar in banks or post offices. In some places there are service boxes inside the bank premises. This avoids depositing in outdoor service boxes, which is a known risk.

    Avoid transporting valuables on foot. If you must transport on foot, it is advisable for at least two people to do it.

  • If you regularly transport large amounts of valuables, you should set up a special vehicle 'airlock' for loading the transport vehicle.

    There are also other technical solutions, such as tube mail systems, for transporting money within a building or directly to the bank.

  • It is important for the transport vehicle to have as high security as possible. Doors should be locked and windows rolled up. The vehicle should not have central locking.

Last updated 2025-12-22