Forces unite in blitz on security van robbers
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POLICE in Cheshire have joined forces with others in the North West for a joint operation targeting cashin-transit robberies in the run up to Christmas.
Titan, the North West’s regional organised crime unit, is co-ordinating the action.
Officers from Titan, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria and North Wales, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), SaferCash and other partner agencies will be working together.
The campaign launched on Monday, December 5, and will involve officers using both high-visibility and covert patrols on the ground and in the air to escort security vehicles as they carry out their deliveries.
Other tactics to be used include armed police escorting high-risk security vehicles, CCTV monitoring and patrol cars following cash-handling vehicles.
In addition, all cash containers will include either Smartwater or a dye, which will be released when they are opened, marking the notes so that they are both unusable and traceable.
Det Insp Jon Smith, of Titan’s regional intelligence unit, said: “The region has seen a significant fall in cash-in-transit robberies in recent years but we are not complacent and we are determined to make sure criminals do not see these types of offences as easy ways to make money, because they most definitely are not.
“Our message to those planning on carrying out cash-in-transit robberies in the run up to Christmas is clear – we will find you and we will make sure you spend this Christmas and many more to come behind bars away from your family and loved ones.
“Robberies that target cash-in-transit vehicles, banks, post offices and commercial businesses are often violent offences that can result in lifechanging mental and physical scars on those who find themselves confronted by these criminals.
“This is by no means a victimless crime. These robberies can cause deep distress to those at the brunt of the attacks, who are just trying to earn an honest living.
“Titan, together with the six police forces in the North West, are committed to cracking down on the criminals who make the lives of people making an honest living in the security and commercial industries a misery and we will continue to use all the powers available to us to target these criminals, prevent offences and bring those responsible to justice.”
Between 2013 and 2015, there were nine cash-intransit robberies reported in Cheshire.
All North West police forces, in partnership with the security industries, will continue to share intelligence and provide assistance for cross-border deliveries throughout the campaign and in the following months.
SaferCash head Steve Hurst said: “This initiative is an excellent example of the North West not only working in partnership with the forces within the region but also with industry.
“SaferCash and the ● BSIA are fully supportive of this bigger picture approach, and are providing resources to work with the region to reduce this type of violent crime and support any prosecutions.”
Any suspicious activity can be reported by calling 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.