The incredible bravery of cash-in-transit couriers was recognised during yesterday’s annual BSIA lunch and awards in London.
Security guards who are in charge of transporting money to and from cash machines, shops, and banks, were faced with axes, machetes, and even guns in attacks, and the BSIA recognised these heroes with three awards for outstanding service as well as a special commendation.
The awards were all presented in a ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane, yesterday, by Commander Steve Rodhouse from the Metropolitan Police.
Here we share for you their incredible stories.
Robert Gilmour attacked by an axe
Robert Gilmour was changing the money in an ATM inside a supermarket when he was attacked by an axe-wielding criminal. The robber struck him in the head, neck, and upper body and stole a box full of a significant amount of cash before trying to get away. However, the shop’s automatic doors slowed him down, and members of the public and a security guard on duty in the shop were able to detain the man until the Police arrived. Gilmour helped restrain the man despite his serious injuries.
Robert Gilmour of Loomis UK Ltd received a special commendation.
Stephen Fearn held at gunpoint
Stephen Fearn was collecting money at a bank when an armed man stormed into the building and held a gun to his head, demanding that Fearn open the box he was carrying for the collection. Fearn knew the box was empty and hoped he could hand it over to the robber and he would be satisfied with that. He wasn’t. After seeing the box was empty, the robber forced Fearn, still at gunpoint, over to the cashiers and demanded they hand over the money. Fearn calmly controlled the situation, ensuring that bank staff did exactly as they were told. The thief left, satisfied with the money, and no one was hurt in the attack. The robber? He was arrested shortly afterwards, meaning no one was hurt and ultimately no money lost.
Stephen Fearn, of G4S Cash Solutions, won a cash and valuables in transit (CVIT) special award for his bravery.
Click here to read the next two stories of bravery.
Michael Grundy and Paul Redhead attacked by machete-wielding men
Changing over money at a service station ATM, Michael and Paul were confronted with two men wielding machetes, one of whom snatched a cash cassette from Michael’s hands before forcing the two guards back into the cash machine room. The attackers demanded that the men removed the remaining cassettes, something they were unable to do as the machine was fitted with bars and they no longer had access.
A third attacker then arrived, demanding the other cassette from the box that Michael was carrying. He explained that he could only do this on the vehicle, so the attacker’s escorted both guards back to their van and made Michael open the box. He did so, but he handed over an empty cash cassette, which satisfied the three attackers, who left without realising that they hadn’t stolen any money whatsoever.
Michael Grundy and Paul Redhead of G4S Cash Solutions each received a CVIT special award for their calm actions in the face of extreme danger.
Derek Mullin attacked and had tendons severed
Hamilton Queen was in the G4S vehicle while Derek Mullin returned to the college building that the pair were servicing and was faced with a man wielding a blade. A second attacker appeared with an axe, so Mullin put the box he was carrying on the ground and explained that he would not be able to open it.
The attackers forced Mullin inside to the cash point where they instead demanded he open the ATM, something Mullin was also unable to do. Frustrated at their failure to secure any cash, the attackers turned on Mullin causing cuts to his hands and severing two of his tendons. Mullin was still able to contact the police however, and despite his injuries, Mullin and his colleague were commending for their bravery and calm actions.
Derek Mullin, and Hamilton Queen of G4S Cash Solutions each also received a CVIT special award.
The winners of the special awards were all from G4S cash solutions, and the organisation’s director of risk, Gavin Windsor, paid tribute to the “outstanding courage and professionalism” of his guards, who help the company move GB pound 300 billion around the UK every year.
That is an absolutely terrifying image that the story paints. I always see armed guards at least in pairs here in the US so I assumed things like this didn’t happen often or they were stopped quickly. Are the couriers armed in the UK?
Congratulations to Stephen and Robert. I think security guards should carry arms at least when they are transacting money. It is very natural to get attacked by robber while transferring money and security guards should be extra careful while transacting money.
Those stories are scary, and quite risky. It is inconceivable for a vulnerable CIT officer to resist an armed attack especially when He is overwhelmingly exposed to threat. I can not imagine the courage, the impetus, and gallantry in demonstrating that feat. I come from a country where robbers don’t bargain with their victims for cooperation when there target is certain. Therefore, those guys would be merely living their second lives by now, had they come from some notable African and South American countries. In a region where there are instances of dare-devil robbers confronting Cash APCs, and overwhelm the officers with their superior weapons, no right thinking personnel would want be so ambitious… Read more »
@ safeNsane
I was wondering the same thing! Maybe they should be armed and working in pairs in the UK if they are NOT already.
These people seemed to keep a extremely cool head in a crazy situation. That is amazing enough. They deserve to be honored and I am glad that they were recognized for their service and for these terrible situations that they have lived through. With that said yes I agree from the stories of their situations they sound as if they are too exposed in the field and could benefit from additional tools to be secure in their jobs. I will throw out a word of caution that an old black belt used to tell me never take any weapon into… Read more »
Undoubtedly the threats that CIT officers face in countries such as yours are more life and death issues than some of these stories, but of course the people involved are all brave. Thanks for sharing this brilliant comment.
What is it Chekhov said? If there’s a gun hung on the wall in the first act, it must be used in the second.