Crackdown On Cash In Transit Robberies Launched.

Police forces across the North West are launching a crackdown on cash in transit robberies. They are stepping up patrols to prevent delivery vans being targeted in the run-up to Christmas.

Patrols will be routinely following vans delivering and collecting cash from ATMs, banks, post offices and shops to ensure that security guards remain safe during their busiest time of the year.

There has been a rise in incidents across Greater Manchester this year, and the problem is worse over the festive season as more cash is in circulation.

Detectives from ‘Titan’ the regional organised crime unit are working alongside officers in order to tackle the issue. Titan is working with individual forces and the security industry to target the gangs responsible and stop employees and businesses suffering.

In an interview with Greater Manchester Police Detective Superintendent, Mark Smith said:

“There will be an increased number of visible patrols who are out following cash vans around as a physical deterrent for people who may want to attack them.”

Greater Manchester Police dogs will also be providing a visible presence this year.

Mark Smith added: “we think well trained dogs will be an effective resource and deterrent if we need to disrupt someone in the process of a robbery.”

All constabularies face the same issues throughout the North West so intelligence services are working together to combat cash in transit robberies.

Detective Inspector Jon Smith from Titan’s regional intelligence unit said:

“Investigations into these crimes by local forces have had some great successes and have resulted in offenders being jailed for up to ten years. Our intelligence shows that offenders are working as organised criminal groups who are travelling from one part of the region to commit crimes in another, which means that it is in everyone’s interests to tackle this threat together”.

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