Security van robberies dropping

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Police have cut the number of security cash van robberies, a crime which had been rising in England and Wales.

There were 436 cash-in-transit van robberies recorded in this year's first half, 181 less than for the same period in 2007.

Unions welcomed the fall in attacks but called for more action to protect staff against criminals.

It is estimated that up to £1.4 billion in cash is transferred daily in 4,500 vehicles in England and Wales.

Last year the Home Office launched an action plan to tackle the crime after figures showed the number of robberies had risen from 696 in 2003 to 1,033 in 2006.

Parking tickets

More than £20 million was lost to criminal activity in 2006, up from £15 million in 2005.

Almost half of security van attacks take place in the Metropolitan, West Midlands and Greater Manchester police force areas.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said the action plan involved the police, security industry and unions working together to improve training for workers and sharing intelligence.

"These extremely encouraging figures show that effective partnerships can deliver results and drive down cash in transit robbery," he said.

Gary Smith, of the GMB, said local authorities should be persuaded to allow vans to park closer to businesses and not issue them with parking tickets.

He said: "This will allow couriers to do their jobs more safely and to get on with providing a valuable public service."