Crimestoppers and G4S Cash Solutions have hailed a reduction of 80 per cent in the attacks on the company’s cash in transit (CIT) vans.
The multi-national security contractor and the freephone crime reporting line began working together in 2009 to tackle CIT crime. The Crimestoppers anonymous reporting phone line 0800 555 111 appeared on a number of G4S cash vans and appeals were made to the public to help catch those responsible for the offences.
As a result of this work and other initiatives by G4S Cash Solutions, the number of attacks has fallen from 696 in 2009 to 129 in 2014. The two have announced they will be renewing their partnership.
Rodger Holden, Director of Business Development at Crimestoppers, said: “Attacks on G4S security vans and staff are very serious offences, which can lead to the loss of money and can be a violent, terrifying ordeal for all staff involved. It’s not always easy to catch the culprits because people who have information about the crime are afraid to speak out.
“By working with G4S Cash Solutions, we have helped to break down that wall of silence and have helped to bring down the number of attacks. They are a valued partner and together we hope to do plenty more in the future to reduce crime and make both working environments and communities safer.”
And Andy Cruikshank, Director of Risk for Cash Solutions, added: “Our relationship with other agencies is critical to our success in keeping our cash in transit crews and our customer’s money safe, by catching and convicting those responsible for carrying out attacks, and Crimestoppers is a good example of that.
“Whilst the reduction in attacks have been significant, it is important to note that attacks on our crews continue and remain a major problem for us. We saw 129 attacks in 2014 and some of these have resulted in serious injuries for our crews. There is still a lot to do and our ongoing relationship with Crimestoppers will play an important part in our success.”
