FNB security not quite like the movies, but close, says victim of deposit box theft
Those of us who don’t rent so-called bank safety deposit boxes for our valuables probably imagine the set-up to involve fingerprint-accessed vault-like doors and a cobweb of alarmed laser beams‚ as in the movies. It was not quite like that‚ says one of the victims of the December 18 First National Bank Randburg branch heist in which 360 boxes were stolen. But it did seem very secure. "Zai" of Randburg happened to be at the bank on other business on Tuesday when most of the boxes — which were found by police‚ forced open and dumped in a field near the FNB Stadium two days later — were returned to the branch by what appeared to be a private security company. All the valuables — including Krugerrands, prized family jewellery passed down over several generations and watches — were gone; only documents such as title deeds were left behind. Zai’s family had rented the box since about 2004‚ she said‚ and at the time of the theft were renting it for R120 a month. "Ironically‚ it was quite a...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.