After an employee making a deposit on behalf of a Kingsville business was attacked and robbed at the night depository, Kingsville Chief of Police Ricardo Torres issued the following safety tips for making deposits:

• Always pay close attention to the deposit area and your surroundings. Don’t select a deposit box at the corner of a building -- corners create a blind spot. Use a deposit box located near the center of a building. Do your banking in a public, well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.

• Have your key in your hand ready to open the deposit box and be prepared to make your drop prior to driving up to the deposit area. Make sure that all your transaction paperwork has been filled out prior to arriving so all you have to do is open the box and quickly make the drop.

• Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be wary of people trying to help you with transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. Do not use a deposit box that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.

• Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you open the deposit box.

• Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the deposit area. This is an added incentive to the assailant.

• Never count cash at the deposit area or in public.

• When using a drive-up deposit box, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.

• Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.

• If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, comply.

• If you know of, or experience a crime at the deposit box, report it immediately to the Kingsville Police Department at 9-1-1 or by dialing (361) 592-4311.