Police to use armed patrols and helicopter to combat cash-in-transit robberies in run up to Christmas

North Wales Police join forces with officers across the North West of England and the security industry to launch a joint operation targeting cash-in-transit robberies in the run-up to Christmas.

The action will be co-ordinated by Titan (North West Regional Organised Crime Unit), the regional collaboration to tackle serious and organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking, firearms, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and other serious crimes.

Officers from Titan, North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), SaferCash and other partner agencies will be working together to combat cash-in-transit robberies.

The regional campaign launched on Monday, will see officers using both high-visibility and covert patrols on the ground and in the air to escort security vehicles as they carry out their normal deliveries.

A number of other tactics will be used including armed police vehicles escorting high-risk security vehicles as they carry out cash deliveries, 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 they are both unusable and traceable.

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

“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 life-changing 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 and North Wales, 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.”

All 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.