Armed robbery
According to Home Office statistics there were 3,617 offences of robbery where firearms (including air-weapons) were reported to have been used in England and Wales in 2008/09, down 10% on the previous year’s figures. However, the security costs, actual losses, and risks to individuals from armed robbers remain substantial.
The most attractive target for armed robbers is cash. However, the majority of armed robberies are unsophisticated and/or opportunistic. They’re often committed by criminals acting alone, who mainly target cash to fund their immediate needs.
Highly sophisticated armed robberies, targeting greater rewards (such as cash holding centres) are much rarer. These robberies require the resources of an organised group. They need a great deal of planning and expertise in order to succeed, including extensive intelligence gathering, corruption, coercion and techniques to counter surveillance and forensic investigation.
Cash-in-transit armed robberies
Most cash-and-valuables-in-transit (CVIT) robberies are planned and executed as attacks at a point of transfer, when security personnel are outside their vehicles and involve groups of criminals armed with firearms or other weapons, which they are prepared to use.
In 2009, there were 1,061 CVIT offences across the UK which represents an increase of 61 offences on 2008. The first half of 2009 saw a significant increase in offences compared to the same period in 2008.
Road freight crime
Road freight crime is relatively low risk, and potentially highly profitable, and as such it attracts organised criminals. Some organised crime groups are known to have made millions of pounds from road freight crime.
Organised road freight criminals travel extensively to commit offences. The most affected areas are along the M1/A1 and M40/M6 corridors, and arterial roads serving ports and airports, such as the M25/M20 and M4.
Not all road freight crime is reported to the police, and not all data on reported road freight crime is submitted to Truckpol, the national road freight intelligence unit. Therefore the actual losses are likely to be higher.
Criminals mainly target easily disposable, high value loads, such as alcohol, cigarettes, designer clothing and electrical and computer equipment, including computer chips.
To find out more about road freight crime, see the Truckpol website