The Special Awards were presented yesterday at London’s Hilton Hotel on Park Lane by Admiral the Lord West of Spithead, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office directly responsible for security and counter-terrorism issues.
Speaking about the Special Awards – designed to acknowledge actions by security officers deemed to be particularly courageous or meritorious – the BSIA’s chief executive John Bates said: “The Cash-in-Transit couriers receiving these BSIA Awards today have all been through extremely harrowing experiences. Their ability to stay calm in very challenging situations is proof-positive of both the comprehensive nature of their training and their strength of character.”
Bates concluded by stating: “I commend them for all their actions, and for being prepared to perform what is an essential public service in such a highly professional manner and in the face of danger.”
The couriers – whose identities must be protected due to the sensitive nature of their work – have been honoured for the following outstanding acts:
– One Loomis Cash-in-Transit courier was rewarded for his actions while replenishing an ATM in Stratford, east London. When transferring a cash box back to the vehicle, he was approached by an aggressive male assailant. The male made a grab for the cash box, but the courier held on tight and a struggle ensued. Finally, the attacker ran off empty-handed. This is the third time this courier has been attacked, and on each occasion he has managed to remain unharmed while always frustrating the would-be thieves.
– A G4S Cash-in-Transit courier received his award for actions taken during an attack in Lancaster whereupon he was ambushed by two men carrying a machete and an axe between them. Following a struggle, the courier managed to remove one of the attackers’ disguises. The attackers then made their escape, while the courier had the presence of mind to note their vehicle registration number and call the police.
– Another G4S Cash-in-Transit courier was rewarded for his pursuit of an assailant who had attacked his colleague and run off with a cash box. After a struggle, the courier managed to retrieve the stolen cash box and the assailant ran away. The courier then returned safely to his colleague who had called the police. The courier’s actions were subsequently described as being well above and beyond the call of duty.
