Bruce George, MP for Walsall South, last week organised a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Private Security which considered the growing problem of Cash and Valuables in Transit crime. CVIT attacks in the UK account for 76 per cent of all CVIT crime in Europe. Between £1.4 and £2bn is moved around the country on a daily basis, and during 2007, over £18m was lost due to criminal activity. The level of violence used in these attacks has increased dramatically, with weapon-related incidents rising sharply.

The meeting, held in the House of Commons, and attended by MPs and industry representatives, was addressed by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker MP, Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Moore from Merseyside Police Headquarters, Professor Gloria Laycock from the Jill Dando Institute for Crime Science (University College London), and David Dickinson from the British Security Industry Association.

Bruce George commented “As someone with a long term interest in the private security industry, I recognise the serious nature of cash-in-transit attacks. It is vital that Members of Parliament understand the issues and the difference they can make in working with local authorities and other organisations in their constituencies to highlight the risks faced by cash-in-transit couriers. This meeting sparked a healthy debate on the issues which I hope will be of benefit in raising awareness about the problem.”

Speaking after the event Vernon Coaker said “The Government, police, security industry, retailers and finance industry are working very hard to prevent and tackle Cash and Valuables in Transit crime. This is not victimless crime; it has a big impact on people’s lives, their livelihood, and their families.”

After the event Bruce also took the opportunity to discuss with Vernon Coaker ongoing concerns surrounding Domestic Violence and in particular the problems faced by the Walsall Domestic Violence forum, in particular relation to funding.