Tuesday 4 February 2004 - News - Security
Greater use of cash crime prevention systems
The use of so-called
'degradation systems' to prevent cash robberies has increased 'significantly'
over the past three years, according to police and security organisations.
Figures from Banknote Watch - a cash crime prevention initiative headed by the Metropolitan Police and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) - showed a 78% rise in the use of cash protection systems since 2001, when the scheme was first launched.
Banknote Watch said there were now were now 38,900 systems in use, with 15,400 in cash in transit/ATM protection and 23,500 in financial and retail cash protection.
They operate in the event of a robbery attempt so that money is stained rendering the cash useless to any criminal. Several also release a substantial cloud of red smoke to attract the attention of the witnesses, further raising the risk of detection and arrest.
Chris Taylor, chairman of the BSIA cash and property marking section said: "This success is due in large part to the industry working together to set up minimum quality standards for product suppliers. The introduction of PAS 40 and the continued development of trace elements has raised confidence in quality systems.
Andrew Searle, Banknote Watch secretary added: "The next few years will see a radical change in cash protection systems. The industry is investing very heavily in new technologies, which will facilitate completely new work practices."
Max Herd
Figures from Banknote Watch - a cash crime prevention initiative headed by the Metropolitan Police and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) - showed a 78% rise in the use of cash protection systems since 2001, when the scheme was first launched.
Banknote Watch said there were now were now 38,900 systems in use, with 15,400 in cash in transit/ATM protection and 23,500 in financial and retail cash protection.
They operate in the event of a robbery attempt so that money is stained rendering the cash useless to any criminal. Several also release a substantial cloud of red smoke to attract the attention of the witnesses, further raising the risk of detection and arrest.
Chris Taylor, chairman of the BSIA cash and property marking section said: "This success is due in large part to the industry working together to set up minimum quality standards for product suppliers. The introduction of PAS 40 and the continued development of trace elements has raised confidence in quality systems.
Andrew Searle, Banknote Watch secretary added: "The next few years will see a radical change in cash protection systems. The industry is investing very heavily in new technologies, which will facilitate completely new work practices."
Max Herd
