CALGARY – Several stores in the city are reviewing safety protocols on handling cash after a robbery and murder in Calgary earlier in the week.
A 55-year-old man was stabbed while carrying a bag of money as part of a business transaction Wednesday evening.
Police say Maqsood Ahmed was confronted by attackers, pepper sprayed and stabbed. He was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries where he died.
Don Bain is the owner of Tim’s coffee; the restaurant serves meals that range between $4 and $7.
Most customers at his shop pay in cash, so he takes extra precautions.
“Obviously now $5 to $10 attracts people,” Bain said. “I think it’s smart to get rid of that money and put it in the bank.”
He advises against going to the bank alone.
“Don’t go by yourself, do it in a pair, in a group.”
Barry Davidson with the Canadian Crime Prevention Centre says sometimes business owners forget about safely handling cash deposits.
“You need to be varying your routines,” he said. “However you are dealing with it you need to make sure those don’t become a routine that happens every day…So that the people that are watching for targets don’t get a good plan in place.
He adds that businesses should also avoid making cash drops at the end of the day.
“Do a cash drop at noon or at three… varying that through the day.”
Other useful tips include:
– Avoid sharing deposit information
– When making deposits make sure you aren’t alone
– Carry a cell phone
– Watch for suspicious vehicles or people
Police say if you see anything suspicious when handling cash deposits to call 9-1-1 immediately.
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