A Leeds MP has expressed concern over a spate of attacks on cash delivery vehicles in the past few months, following a recent raid on a delivery van in Armley.

John Battle MP (Leeds West) has been sent a report of the latest attack provided by Group 4 Securicor, which took place at the end of July. The report describes how “the attacker demanded the [cash] box whilst pointing a handgun at the courier” at the BP service station on Stanningley Road.

Mr Battle has been pushing for measures to combat cash delivery crime, signing a parliamentary motion earlier this year calling for better protection for couriers and for the general public.

Cash delivery crime has been increasing steadily over the past few years and the trend looks set to continue in 2006. Industry estimates suggest that in the first quarter of 2006, there had already been a 12.5% increase in attacks across the UK as compared with this time last year.

Mr Battle said: “This is a worrying trend and I was especially concerned to hear of the attack in Armley. The impact this kind of attack can have on couriers and members of the public is very serious. I am pushing the Government to give cash delivery crime greater policing priority and tackle it as part of their strategy for organised crime.”

 

©John Battle MP 17 August 2006