Staffordshire Police

Follow that van

Officers across Staffordshire will be stepping-up anti-robbery patrols over December and January ahead of an anticipated seasonal rise in raids on cash vans.

Detective Superintendent Martin Evans, who is leading the anti-robbery drive, said: "The increased use of covert patrols will make cash in transit robberies a far more risky enterprise for gangs.

"We are aware of the potential hot-spots, we are in regular communication with the industry over delivery times and are generally well prepared.”

The initiative, known as 'Follow that Van', encourages police on patrol to keep a close eye on delivery vehicles outside known businesses, banks, building societies, post offices, betting shops, supermarkets, off licences, bars, restaurants and garages are all closely monitored under the scheme.

The drive to reduce cash van raids plays a major role regionally with neighbouring police forces, with the aims of preventing and disrupting the thieves and increasing the risk of detection for the robbers.

Police are in regular contact with the security industry and key businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire area, to carry out constant risks assessments.

Det. Supt. Martin Evans added : "Marked and unmarked police cars will follow security vehicles, but there are many other covert tactics in place.

"This is a crime which can have lasting effects on the people who are working for the security companies or businesses, but it is one we are determined to stop."

Anyone with any information about such crime can contact us on 101 or ring 999 in an emergency.