Undercover officers to follow cash vans

Undercover police cars will be deployed to swoop on cash-in-transit robbers targeting cash vans in Staffordshire, it emerged today.

Police are launching a Christmas crackdown on the crimes which usually increase over the festive period.

They will be trailing cash vans used by banks, post offices, supermarkets and pubs in marked and unmarked police cars. Detective Superintendent Martin Evans 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."

Under the operation, known as 'Follow that Van', police on patrol will be told to keep an eye on delivery vehicles outside businesses. Banks, building societies, post offices, betting shops, supermarkets, off licences, bars, restaurants and garages will all be closely monitored.

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.

Mr 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."

West Midlands Police unveiled similar plans a fortnight ago as it re-appealed for information following a £23,000 robbery at a post office in Streetly, which saw two men armed with an axe ambush a delivery driver.

The raid took place in the Blackwood Road post office on November 11 at 9.15am.

Police are searching for a black Renault Megane with the registration GR55 BDH.