Operation Vanguard

The MPS are seeking for acceptance of a contribution of £176,000 per annum for a two year period (2017/18-2018/19) from SaferCash in support of Operation Vanguard.



Operation Vanguard has been in existence for over 10 years focusing on cash and valuables in transit attacks in London, and has been successful in reducing these crimes. The industry recognises the benefit and wish to support Operation Vanguard to ensure its continuation

The DMPC is asked to approve;

• The acceptance of a contribution of £176,000 per annum for a two year period, from SaferCash towards the activities of Operation Vanguard pursuant to section 93 of the Police Act 1996

1. Introduction and background

1.1. In 2006/7 there were 523 Cash and Valuables in Transit (CViTs) attacks in London. Offending reached a high point in January 2007 with 84 CViT attacks. Almost £7 million was stolen from CVIT replenishments, falling to under £1 million by 2016/17.

1.2. Operation Vanguard is an SCO7 led operation that was established in 2006 to target the rise in CViT robberies. The unit works in partnership with the CViT industry, SaferCash and British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to react to dynamic intelligence to gather information to either prevent or support the investigation of commercial robbery offences including the arrest of those responsible. SaferCash is a body created by the BSIA to work in partnership with law enforcement and industry to share intelligence to ensure effective and efficient intervention to reduce the overall risk and cost of crime to the industry, businesses and the wider community.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. Over the years, the industry has recognised the commercial benefit of Operation Vanguard and has provided ad hoc financial and in-kind support. All parties now wish to formalise the larger financial contribution that the industry members wish to provide through SaferCash.

2.2. The £176,000 per annum is being offered as a contribution towards the work of Operation Vanguard, especially the operational benefit of the Vanguard Control Room. The offer is for an initial 2 years.

3. Financial Comments

3.1 The contribution of £176,000 will be used to off-set the current overspend on overtime budgets in SCO7.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. This report is submitted to MOPAC for approval in accordance with paragraph 4.13 of the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent that provides the DMPC must approve all unforeseen variations and extensions to a contract with an original value of £500k or above, or when the variation or extension is greater than 10% of the original value and/or is for a period of more than 12 months.

4.2. The MOPAC Scheme of Delegation at Clause 4.8 requires the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to approve all collaboration agreements where the Act requires. As this is a policing body collaboration, it is required.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. There are no direct equality or diversity implications arising from this report

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1. Report.