Police committed to reducing cash in transit robbery

OFFICERS from across the West Midlands Police force area are increasing their focus on cash in transit robbery.

The 'Follow that van, watch that delivery' initiative has been launched to address the issue of cash in transit robbery particularly around the pre-Christmas period. The scheme, which was originally called 'follow that van', involved uncommitted patrol cars following cash in transit vans to ensure safe deliveries.

'Follow that van, watch that delivery' takes the previous initiative a step further as it now also involves uncommitted police community support officers (PCSOs) and officers who are on foot patrol. Officers will now stand, patrol, or engage in normal duties while in the vicinity of any cash deliveries. The idea is to increase the safety of deliveries and to deter criminals from committing this type of crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Evans, from West Midlands Police, said: "'Follow that van, watch that delivery' is about maximising police patrol and visibility where cash in transit vans are travelling between deliveries and indeed making them. We aim to provide a visible deterrence and maximise the amount of intelligence we gather.

"Over recent years there has been a significant reduction in offences involving cash in transit vans. West Midlands Police, in partnership with the industry, is working hard to ensure that this remains the case, particularly on the run up to Christmas.

"The cash in transit industry plays an important role in everyone's life ensuring for instance, there is cash for us to withdraw from banks and cash machines. Therefore, it is important for us to continue this good work"

Dick Hanks, British Security Industry Association National Police Liaison Manager, also added that, "police operations like the one being launched in the West Midlands are part of dedicated work nationwide to reduce cash-in-transit crime and protect couriers from violent attacks. The security industry is working with partners in Government, the Police, trade unions, the banking and retail industries to reduce this crime. The result of this sustained effort is that it is getting harder and harder to perpetrate a cash-in-transit attack and the criminal just won't know when they are being watched."

Follow that van, watch that delivery' is just one of several initiatives undertaken by West Midlands Police to tackle and significantly reduce this type of crime.