Cracking down on high-value crimes
LANCASHIRE police is launching an operation to crack down on high-value robberies over Christmas. Operation Vault will aim to focus on travelling criminals coming to Lancashire to target ATMs, cash in transit and commercial premises.
Police claim that, traditionally, the festive season sees a rise in these types of crime as there often tends to be more cash in circulation, although Lancashire Constabulary also insists that the area remains a safe place to live and work.
As part of the latest operation officers will use automatic number plate registration technology and intelligence to secure roads in and out of Lancashire.
They will also target known offenders and organised crime groups to prevent these robberies from taking place.
A spokesperson for Lancashire police added: “Where robberies do take place, we will take tough action to catch offenders and bring them to justice.”
Additionally, police are urging businesses and shoppers to remain vigilant during the busy shopping season.
They suggest that the public are “vigilant in relation to persons behaving suspiciously around ATMs including in the early hours of the morning.
“This may include groups of persons, vehicles or plant equipment near the ATM, particularly in isolated locations.”
Police also suggest that people “look out for anyone acting furtively in post offices, service stations and supermarkets or in close proximity to them.
“This may include paying attention to CCTV or to security deliveries.”
Lastly, the police are urging businesses to ensure CCTV is focused on the ATM, and is in good working order.