Following a cash theft in a South London Lloyds TSB branch, the first successful conviction of a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) crime has occurred where glue technology was used to protect the cash being transported.

The new technology is built into the boxes used to transfer the cash from one place to another. When triggered the glue binds the notes together rendering them unusable. In addition to the glue, SmartWater (a UV feature) and dye was also used to stain the notes.

Flying Squad’s Detective Superintendent Nick Stevens said: “This is a fantastic result for the Flying Squad working in partnership with the Cash In Transit industry using the latest technology to arrest and convict criminals. This sentencing should assist in deterring other criminals who think that committing cash in transit robberies are a quick and easy way to get cash. This latest technology is a new weapon in the fight against cash-in-transit robberies and adds to the Flying Squad’s already excellent partnership work with the industry which has seen the number of such robberies consistently fall significantly year on year.”

Gavin Windsor, Risk Director at G4S added: “In recent years, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of cash robberies, and a contributing factor is the close working relationship that the security industry has with the Met to tackle crime. The shared intelligence and continued introduction of new technology means that the chances of being caught and convicted are higher than ever. It’s particularly pleasing to see from this case how the recently-introduced glue solution in cash boxes ensures that any money stolen becomes completely unusable for the criminal, effectively removing any reward for committing CIT crime.”