POLICE forces have teamed up with the regional organised crime unit to tackle an increase in cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies.

The north west’s six forces are working with TITAN after the number of CIT robberies, where a security guard delivering or collecting cash from a business or ATM is targeted, has risen from 41 in 2016 to 60 so far this year.

TITAN run a dedicated response every Christmas to reduce the number of attacks.

DI John Smith from TITAN said: “By bringing the public on board we can get more success stories and start having an impact on this serious organised crime.

“This is by no means a victimless crime.

“These robberies can cause deep distress to those at the brunt of the attacks, who are just trying to earn an honest living.

“We will deploy everything we have got in order to protect these people doing their jobs.”

Officers will use high-visibility and covert patrols on the ground and in the air in the campaign to escort security vehicles as they carry out their deliveries.

Armed police patrols will also be used to escort high-risk security vehicles.

DI Smith added: ““The resources we use to stop this type of crime is very high.

“We all work together effectively to detect criminals and protect those frontline staff.”

The police are also urging people to alert them to suspicious activity such as individuals loitering around premises, taking a high interest in deliveries, watching how locks operate near ATMs and taking photographs.

If you see anything suspicious, phone the police on 101.