We recently talked to a Filmbase member, a Petty Cash Buyer, who was robbed after withdrawing a large amount of cash for a market trip. She was unhurt, but was badly shaken, and wants to spread the word to guard against it happening to others. 

What happened?

A group of men distracted her by dropping coins by her front tyre and then puncturing it. Others offered to help change the tyre, while two further men took her laptop from the car boot. She had the market cash in a bag strapped to her body and this was not taken.

What is production policy?

After the incident, her Set Decoration department instigated a policy where Petty Cash Buyers are driven to any cash withdrawals by a unit driver - and are accompanied inside the bank, as well as on the street.

However, Set Dec HODs that we spoke to all strongly support a policy where cash withdrawals are made only from the production accounts department.

This does happen on many productions, meaning there is no requirement for crew to go out and get the cash themselves.

Sometimes, though, the studio’s policy on cash-handling can make it difficult. Some studios have been known to argue, for instance, that as a US company they don't have a cash account. 

It has also become more common for large floats to be paid directly into Buyers’ accounts, which they are then expected to withdraw for the department. (A further complication is that they must then account for it at the end of the tax year, as the money looks like income.)

Cash-handling procedures changed to some extent during the pandemic ‘for health reasons’, and this may have been exacerbated by budget-tightening, particularly since the strikes, with productions less willing to hand out occasional cash advances.

This incident took place in Slough, near Pinewood Studios, and the Petty Cash Buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, made sure she collected the money in a private room inside the bank, not an ATM. Despite this, CCTV footage suggests she may have been observed within the bank by some of the men involved, who then followed her back to her car. 

Police advice on staying safe

Other Set Decoration crew we spoke to have heard of Buyers being targeted in similar incidents. It’s clear that although these incidents are far from widespread, Buyers should be aware of the dangers when withdrawing cash, if they have no other option, and should be aware of the higher crime rate in some of the areas around the big studios.

PSI Amber Jackman of Thames Valley Police said: “Nationwide there have been reports similar to this incident. I would urge employees to be vigilant. If you feel you are being followed you should call on 999 immediately. Do not engage in conversation with anyone who is not known to you, if you do not have a reason to speak to them.

“When large sums of money are being withdrawn, if possible, there should be more than one employee present. I would advise that the second employee walk slightly behind the one carrying the cash, as most of the time the suspect will follow from behind.

“Try to vary routine by making cash withdrawals on different days and times.

“I would recommend a bag that can be carried at the front of a person; this can include a body bag, as long as it is positioned correctly. I would avoid any bag that is placed on the back or just over a shoulder.

“When withdrawing the money, ask to be taken to a room, so the transaction can be made privately. Once the money has been withdrawn go straight back to your car and the location where the money is required. I would avoid going to unnecessary locations such as shops or cafes.

“Do not disclose to others that you are planning to withdraw cash.”

She added: “When incidents like this occur I recommend companies and the [film and TV] industry to review their policies and procedures to assess the risk to their employees.”

We have sent a copy of this story to the big studios and production companies. We’ll publish their response as soon as we have it.