Police to ‘shadow’ security vans

Although there are very few robberies in Warwickshire and West Mercia where cash in transit vans are involved, statistics show that suspicious incidents around cash in transit vans increase at this time of year.

All reactive police officers, including armed officers, driving liveried police vehicles and unmarked vehicles, have been tasked to follow the vans when they are not on other directed duties, in a bid to disrupt criminal activity and deter cash in transit robberies.

Evidence suggests robberies occur most frequently when the security van arrives at its destination, such as at a supermarket, automatic cash transfer machines, banks or post offices, as the security guards collect or deliver the cash.

Police officers following the can deter these robberies and provide additional security for the cash in transit services.

Intelligence received from police officers will then be recorded centrally in order to develop a file on possible suspects. This information will also be shared with neighbouring forces.

Supt Graeme Pallister, crime manager for Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said, “We know that the police shadowing cash delivery vans acts as an excellent deterrent to offenders.”

People are also being asked to ensure they report any suspicious activity they see occurring, especially in the vicinity of banks, post offices or where money is collected or delivered to, such as stores and supermarkets.

Superintendent Pallister said, “These offenders are very brazen in their approach to crime, either following the security van, or laying in wait for the van to arrive. We would like to hear from anyone who sees anything suspicious which may fit in with a cash delivery robbery. Obviously we do not want anyone to put themselves in danger by approaching suspected robbers. But if they see a crime taking place they should phone 999 immediately.”