BSIA: Security industry applauds CIT couriers

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Thursday, 17, Jul 2008 12:00

The British Security Industry Association has recognised ten cash-in-transit couriers with Special Awards for Outstanding Service, sponsored by the Security Industry Authority. The awards acknowledge actions by security officers which are particularly courageous or meritorious.

BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson, comments: "The cash-in-transit couriers that we are recognising today have demonstrated outstanding levels of courage faced with extremely violent and traumatic situations. Their ability to remain level-headed is testament to both their training and their strength of character and they should be applauded for their achievements."

The couriers, whose identities must be protected due to the sensitive nature of their work, have been rewarded for the following outstanding acts:

• Five Loomis CVIT trunker crewmembers and vault custodians were recognised for their calm actions and application of correct procedures when the bay in which they were unloading a high value consignment was ram-raided by several armed offenders. The crewmembers were able to secure the bullion cage that they were unloading within the branch, before locking themselves into their vehicle, whilst the vault custodians raised the alarm.

• One G4S Cash Services surveillance officer was recognised for his brave actions when he prevented an attacker getting away with a cash box by using his vehicle to block in the getaway vehicle. He then tackled the attacker, removing the cash box from him. After a struggle, the attacker escaped, but the officer was able to give excellent information to the Police, allowing them to follow and apprehend the assailant.

• Another G4S Cash Services courier was recognised for his quick-thinking response during a delivery when he was approached by an armed attacker. He was able to secure the cash box in the vehicle, before confronting the attacker. After a struggle, the assailant broke free and ran to a getaway vehicle. The courier then raised the alarm.

• A G4S Cash Services courier was rewarded for his brave actions when confronted by an attacker armed with a metal file whilst he was removing a coin container from a telephone kiosk. The assailant shut the courier in the kiosk and threatened him. A struggle ensued during which the courier was struck on the back with the file. The courier managed to retain possession of the container, the attacker ran off and the Police were called. Thanks to the information provided by the courier, the assailant was quickly apprehended.

• A Post Office CVIT courier was recognised for remaining calm when an armed attacker not only threatened him with a gun, but also threatened to start shooting members of the public if he did not hand over the cash box. The courier's decision to hand over a cash box, potentially saved the lives of innocent passers-by.

• Another Post Office courier was rewarded for his quick-thinking actions whilst under attack only two days into a new role and only a few months after undergoing a triple heart bypass. During a violent attack, he was sprayed with petrol and the assailant threatened to set him alight. The courier attempted to prevent the robbery and though unsuccessful, he was able to provide significant evidence to the Police.

The awards were presented by Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker MP, at the Association’s annual luncheon on 16th July at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

Editor’s Notes

The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its 570 members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see www.bsia.co.uk, email info@bsia.co.uk or telephone 0845 389 3889.

Press contacts: Naomi Ocansey 0845 389 0741 n.ocansey@bsia.co.uk

Kiri Gray 0845 389 0755 k.gray@bsia.co.uk