Vertical Markets

CViT view

by Mark Rowe

Cash and Valuables in Transit (CViT) companies play an essential part in the economy, ensuring that cash supplies are replenished, to keep businesses running. Due to the nature of their role, however, CViT couriers can be vulnerable to attack and robbery. Hence the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) among its sections has one covering CViT.

Its chairman is Rob Johnson, pictured, chairman of the BSIA’s CViT Section. “Every day across the UK, cash in transit guards undertake one of the most dangerous jobs in society as they move cash to and from our high streets to keep the wheels of commerce moving. The cash they transport is essentially the lifeblood of our retail sector and these brave individuals place themselves in danger to maintain the flow of cash to and from businesses, banks and the public. Without these CViT companies and their vigilant staff, the flow of cash in the UK would grind to a halt.”

CViT couriers face many dangers: criminals have used using firearms and even acid to carry out attacks on couriers, to steal cash. As a result, it can be necessary for CViT couriers to park in potentially unlawful areas, such as a single or double yellow line, to be as close as possible to the required location.

Rob adds: “Despite staff training and the physical and technological measures in place to safeguard staff, these guards are at constant risk of attack from the criminal elements of our society. We know that the chances of an attack occurring are significantly decreased the closer a vehicle is able to park to its collection or delivery point. This shorter walk not only means a safer trip for the guard, but also for members of the public.”

While parking closely is essential to the safety of staff, it is actually common for these vans to receive Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) while on duty. Although couriers do their best to avoid parking in restricted areas such as bus lanes, disabled bays, taxi ranks and on pavements, they still receive penalties for parking on yellow lines, the BSIA points out.

Members of the public are urged to consider that if one of these vans is parked in a restricted area, it is more than likely necessary to ensure a safer trip for the courier and the public. However, if it is believed that a van is parked somewhere unnecessarily, people are encouraged to contact the company directly, to discuss the issue further.

Visit https://www.bsia.co.uk/sections/cash-and-valuables-in-transit/parking-safely.aspx#.

Related News

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing