MPs call for urgent action to combat rise in cash delivery attacks

100 cross-party MPs have signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the Government to act in order to stop the rising number of cash-in-transit attacks. The EDM was tabled on behalf of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the GMB trade union as part of a joint campaign to combat cash delivery crime.

There were 836 CIT attacks in 2005, a 10% increase on the previous year. CIT attacks have continued to rise in 2006, with a 12% increase in the first quarter. The level of violence used in attacks continues to grow with 170 couriers injured in 2005.

The BSIA and GMB campaign 'Combating Cash Delivery Crime' aims to:
- Reclassify cash-in-transit crime from a business to a human crime:
- Encourage longer prison sentences for offenders:
- Create more secure areas for the delivery of cash at customer premises:
- Share best practice Police strategies to tackle cash-in-transit robbery:
- Include optimum security for cash delivery in planning laws for new-builds:
- Provide access to pedestrianised zones and exemptions from parking restrictions.

David Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: "CIT couriers provide a vital public service delivering cash to the high street and keeping the economy running. This is the only private security service included in the Civil Contingencies Act because of its vital importance to the smooth running of the nation. The rise in the number of violent attacks should be of concern to everyone and all parties must play their part to combat it.

"We are very encouraged to have the backing of 100 cross-party MPs and together with the Home Office response to the recent Adjournment Debate we are confident that the Government now understands this very serious crime and its implications. We are also talking to customer groups representing banks and retailers. We now look forward to seeing action taken on the key policy areas we have highlighted."

Gary Smith, GMB National Officer, adds: "This issue has a much higher profile now and has moved up the political agenda since the joint campaign for action was launched last year. The next step is to turn words into actions in order to really tackle the problem and reduce the numbers of GMB members that are badly injured whilst doing this essential job."

Further information on the campaign is available at www.bsia.co.uk/citcrime

- An Adjournment Debate took place on Monday 24th April.

- A meeting took place with Hazel Blears, when in her role as Minister of State at the Home Office, and the BSIA and GMB in January. At the meeting the Minister agreed to review the classification of the crime and liaise with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister regarding planning procedures and parking arrangements. The BSIA has also met with the British Bankers' Association.

- Merseyside Police's Operation Matrix has reduced CIT robberies despite the national increase. Since the introduction of this initiative on 25 April through to November 2005, they have seen a 44% reduction in attacks (compared to 2004).

- There were 836 CIT attacks in 2005, a 10% increase in the number of attacks in 2004 and a 20% increase compared to 2003. 208 of these attacks involved a firearm and 170 couriers were injured. Couriers suffered shootings, stabbings, pistol whippings, beatings, broken bones and post-traumatic stress. Six couriers and a member of the public were shot by criminals during these attacks.

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