COPS have vowed to crack down on robbers by using armed patrols and the force helicopter to shadow cash deliveries.

Police are stepping-up efforts to disrupt gangs ahead of the Christmas season which traditionally sees a sharp rise in raids on banks and businesses.

As part of a new initiative, armed patrols and the police helicopter will trail the high-value cash deliveries throughout the region. Detectives will also step up surveillance against crime gangs.

Raid

Police unveiled their crackdown - dubbed Operation Vanguard - as two thugs were due to be sentenced today over a terrifying raid on a Wigan bank. Thousands of pounds were stolen from the Lloyds TSB bank in Ashton in Makerfield in June.

Chilling footage from the robbery shows two of the gang threatening staff and customers at gunpoint.

Two men pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm offences at Liverpool Crown Court.

As well as using tip-offs and surveillance to disrupt the gangs, police will be meeting bank and shop bosses and members of the security industry to help beef-up their security. They will ensure cameras and anti-theft devices are installed in the delivery vehicles.

Officers began their operation earlier this year. Last month, the force arrested 19 people for armed robbery and 11 people were convicted.

Det Chief Insp Patrick McKelvey, in charge of the team, said: "It is a common misconception that armed robberies are a victimless crime, with only the businesses suffering. However, this footage proves the devastating effect these crimes have on innocent victims.

"It is important to understand that this is a devastating and often violent crime that can cause deep distress."
Tweet