A Southend robber has been foiled thanks to the security measures installed in a Bradford & Bingley bank branch as a result of its involvement in the crime prevention initiative Raid-control.
Graham Farrell, 44, appeared before Harrow Crown Court in May to admit nine robberies and nine offences of possessing an imitation firearm and was consequently imprisoned for 12 years.
The Raid-control robbery reduction initiative involves the use of five minimum standards to protect staff from violent robberies, these are: staff trained in robbery awareness, available cash minimised, time-delay systems in use, cameras in operation and till security devices deployed.
Farrell was caught on January 9 this year when he robbed a Bradford & Bingley bank branch in Harrow. After brandishing a gun at two members of staff, he forced them to hand over some cash. A security device was activated which billowed bright red smoke, damaging the banknotes and drawing attention to the offender from those in the immediate area. As Farrell stopped to pick up some cash, two passing officers in a patrol car chased and then arrested him.
John Birkenshaw, Chairman of Raid-control, says: "This sentence reflects the severity of this offence and demonstrates the effectiveness of Raid-control in the prevention and detection of robbery. Our thoughts remain with the Bradford & Bingley staff involved in the robbery and hope they have recovered from their traumatic experience." For further information;
