Foreign Currency – A Target for Thieves

Foreign currency is a tempting source of income for many thieves. Stolen foreign currency can be exchanged in low amounts at various brokers, post offices or banks around the country and converted into sterling without anyone being the wiser. It’s not surprising then, that travel agencies have been the target of recent foreign currency burglaries.

Secure Foreign Currency

All brokers, whether travel agents, banks or independent brokers need to keep their foreign currency secure. That includes travellers cheques, which are also vulnerable and can be exchanged with a quick signature. Once a burglary has taken place, other foreign currency bureaux are asked to look out for large amounts of foreign currency or travellers cheques being cashed – and thieves will also steal sterling if they find it. It’s not just local travel agents that have trouble with foreign currency thieves, however. In Sweden, robbers used a helicopter to mount a raid on British-based G4S at their offices in Stockholm, landing on the roof, smashing windows and then hoisting up bags of foreign currency.

Keeping your Foreign Currency Safe
It’s just as important that you keep your foreign currency safe when you get it as it is that brokers keep it safe before they sell it to you. Whilst you may not carry a huge amount of currency on you when you’re on holiday or business, tourists are always targets for unscrupulous locals, so it’s sensible to take reasonable precautions to help protect your money. Only take small amounts of cash out with you and keep the rest in your room or hotel safe. Use travellers cheques to access additional cash and make sure you sign them before you leave home, and take note of the serial numbers. That way, if they are stolen, they will be more difficult for the robbers to use, and easier for you to trace.

Foreign Currency and Travellers Cheques at Crown Currency Exchange
We do everything we can to keep our foreign currency safe on site so that we can deliver it to you quickly and securely. We deal in many different currencies and can provide you with cash or travellers cheques, or a combination of the two, so that you can be in complete control of the money you use when you’re out of the UK. Use our online quote system to find out more, or call us on 0800 612 7273.

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