Armed robbers target 'softer options'

Article Abstract:

Armed robbers are said to be changing their tactics and are switching from banks and security vans to supermarkets, travel agents, petrol stations and off licences. A fall in the traditional armed robbery has been linked to increased security measures at banks and building societies and also in security vans. The increase in rapid response armed police units is also thought to be linked to the fall in armed robberies. However the attention has shifted to what is considered the softer option. Out of town supermarkets have relatively poor security measures and offer an increasing range of high value goods such as perfumes, cigarettes, alcohol and designer clothes. Car criminals are also said to be changing their tactics and are stealing high value vehicles by trailing the owners as they drive home and tackling the owners for their keys as they get out of the car. The improvement in car security is said to be behind the change in tactics of car criminals.

Comment:

UK: Armed robbers are changing tactics & are switching from banks & security vans to supermarkets, travel agents, etc

Government domestic functions, Article

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UK: DOLE FRAUD TO BE TACKED BY CREDIT AGENCIES

Article Abstract:

The Government has announced plans to pay private credit rating agencies for information they hold on people as part of its attempt to crack down on fraudulent state benefit claims. The measure forms part of the new Social Security Fraud Bill which was published on 19 December 2000. The bill also proposes sweeping powers for DSS inspectors, which would allow them to inspect bank and building society records of suspected swindlers as well as obtaining information from credit card companies. As part of its attempts to reduce housing benefit fraud the bill will also require all gas, electric, water and telephone companies to provide information to the DSS. Other proposals contained in the bill include the cutting or stopping for three months of benefits paid to people convicted twice of making false claims and hitting employers who collude in benefit fraud with instant fines ranging from GBu 1-5,000.

Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs), Fraud, Social Service Support Programs, Social services, Welfare fraud

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UK: BUNGLED POLICE OPERATIONS INVESTIGATED

Article Abstract:

Police officers could be investigated for the alleged mismanagement or bungling of important operations. An overhaul of the complaints system could see operational decisions made by commanders and chief constables open to scrutiny by independent investigators for the first time. It follows criticism of the handling of public order incidents such as the anti-capitalist riots in London.

Brief Article, Investigations, Police, Police officers

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