The partnership with SmartWater, which was launched in October 2007, means that a unique forensic solution which cannot be seen by the naked eye is incorporated into all the cashboxes used by G4S couriers.
As a result, criminals who break into a G4S cashbox will unavoidably become contaminated by SmartWater.
This technology enables the police to directly link an offender to a specific CIT attack long after the incident took place, providing them with robust and irrefutable forensic evidence.
The use of SmartWater has been welcomed by the police as another means to enable them to continue to improve crime detection rates and conviction rates for CIT crimes.
Fight against CIT crime
Kevin O’Connor – risk director at G4S Cash Services (UK) – commented: “Our use of SmartWater is providing a valuable tool to support the police in the fight against CIT crime. Those involved in CIT robberies are often involved in other criminal activities in their local communities, so this technology can really help to improve crime rates within those areas.”
O’Connor was quick to point out that this partnership with SmartWater is just one of a number of proactive initiatives G4S is taking to support the police in combating CIT crime.
As part of this joint initiative, SmartWater has provided specially adapted ultraviolet scanning lamps, enabling the police throughout the UK to check for traces of SmartWater on all suspected criminals who pass through their custody suites.
Linking criminals to multiple robberies
Phil Cleary, the chief executive of SmartWater Technology, added: “Criminals are becoming increasingly aware of the presence of SmartWater and its ability to convict those who target CIT and ATM deliveries. We have had great success in linking criminals to more than one robbery, and increasing the length of their sentences as a result.”
In some cases, sentences of up to 17 years have been issued by the Courts, with SmartWater-based evidence playing a crucial part in securing convictions. “We will continue to promote this message to the criminal fraternity at every opportunity to heighten SmartWater’s deterrent effect,” concluded Cleary.
By working closely with the police and key stakeholders, G4S will continue to play its part in developing a joint approach to tackling the wider issues of crime in the community on both a national and local level.
The CIT industry: key facts
The CIT industry is vital to the economic liquidity of the UK, wherein cash remains the consumer’s preferred method of payment. Each year, the CIT industry transports around GB pound 500 billion (equivalent to GB pound 1.4 billion per day) thanks to the efforts of around 8,000 couriers and a fleet of 4,000 vehicles.
G4S Cash Services (UK) operates an extensive network of 44 cash transportation branches and ten cash and coin centres.
