Police declare war on South Yorkshire cash van bandits

The force says that its tough stance on security van robberies means that there were no such attacks between January and October 2012 even though organised crime groups carried out 306 attacks on banking institutions, retail outlets and security companies, resulting in losses worth more than £4.7 million UK-wide.

Det Con Nina Kitchener said: “SYP provides a high priority service to all cash carriers and their employees throughout the year and this is intensified over the Christmas period when such attacks traditionally occur,” she said.

“During its ‘Follow the Van’ campaign, SYP will use a combination of policing tactics to deter and capture offenders.

“These include deploying both covert and overt police resources, together with the force’s helicopter and specialist firearms teams to keep track on security vans during this vulnerable time.

“In addition, patrols will be increased during cash deliveries and collections.

“The warning SYP wish to send to criminals is clear: if you intend to commit such offences in South Yorkshire you will be apprehended and receive a substantial prison sentence.”