Although attacks reached an all-time low in 2013, falling victim to attack and robbery remains a very real threat for the security industry’s cash-in-transit couriers. That is according to the latest statistics published by SaferCash, the cash-in-transit intelligence service of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
Transporting around £500 billion every year – the equivalent to £1.4 billion a day – the UK’s cash-in-transit industry keeps cash moving around the country, for banks, retailers and businesses.
Some 270 attacks on cash-in-transit couriers were reported last year. This represents a 30 per cent decrease when compared to 2012, and an 75pc decrease on the all-time high of 1060 attacks in 2009.
James Kelly, pictured, BSIA Chief Executive, says: “These consistent year-on-year successes are testament to the continued joint efforts of industry, government and police in tackling this serious and violent crime. However, it is the violent nature of this crime – and its significant impact on its victims – that is the driving force behind all stakeholders’ efforts to reduce both the number and impact of cash-in-transit attacks, and the statistics contained in this report highlight the vital importance of all stakeholders’ continued commitment to this cause.”
As for the risk of violence faced by couriers, despite an overall reduction in the number of attacks, serious injury is still a very real threat to couriers. While overall injury rates decreased since 2012, almost a quarter of attacks in 2013 (24pc) resulted in some kind of injury, and the proportion of attacks where firearms were used or intimated has risen from 10pc (one in ten) in 2012 to 14pc (one in seven) in 2013.
Steve Hurst, Head of SaferCash, says: “For couriers going about their daily duties, these figures can never be far from their minds, and it is for this reason that we as an industry, along with our colleagues in Government and police forces across the country, cannot afford to rest on our laurels.”
About SaferCash
Established in 2007, SaferCash aims to reduce the number of attacks on cash-in-transit couriers through sharing of intelligence between the cash-in-transit industry and police forces. Operated by the BSIA, SaferCash provides a national framework for information and intelligence sharing between police forces and security personnel, while providing support for cash-in-transit crews who witness a suspicious incident.
SaferCash has been able to link offences and spot where organised crime groups (OCGs) are active across force boundaries. In the case of cash-in-transit, these groups are operating on an increasingly nationwide basis, analysts report, and often using the proceeds of their crime to fund other enterprises such as drugs or human trafficking.
James Kelly adds: “Often, couriers suffer extreme and unforgettable violence, and demonstrate admirable bravery in delivering this essential public service. My thoughts remain with all of the couriers who suffered attack last year, and preventing others from experiencing the same physical and psychological harm is the driving force behind our ongoing commitment to reducing cash-in-transit crime even further in 2014.”
For more about the BSIA and SaferCash, visit www.bsia.co.uk/cash-in-transit.
