Armored car holdups in CA?

[jeffsenpai]

Really? Where are you getting you "facts" from? If you're right, I've seen many of them working their last day.

Obviously if policy dictates to them that they unholster for short duty periods, then it is OK.

My "facts" came from reading posts by security guards on a security guard centric forum. I forget the name of the forum, but some googling could find it for you. The thread I read in particular was I believe made by a guard who was fired for drawing, and others backed up his claims with their own personal experiences.

I wanted to share that with everyone here, maybe later when I get home I can dig that thread up to post.

[Turbinator]

I've read somewhere that in California, there is an average of one armored car holdup per week.

I guess this makes sense. 52 weeks in the year, 300 million people in the US, I'll be darned if at least 52 different criminals out of the 300 million don't try to hold up an armored car at least once during the year..

Turby

[G-Man WC]

I work and do maintance on ATM's for a well know bank. I see the hand on pistol or revolver when getting out of the truck. I'm talking Antioch, San Pablo, Richmond, etc. They will wait in the truck if anything looks dicey until the possiable threat has passed. Now, go down to Mexico. They take there cash delivery serious. Following the armord car is a truck or car with usually three well armed guards. They get out first with a few AR's and a riot shot gun and survey the surroundings before the door to the armoured car is opened. It's kinda cool! -g

[superjc]

I worked as an armed courier for several years, and I can answer some of your questions.

-Brinks has the "hand on gun" at all times policy, they enacted it because they have been robbed the most. I worked for a company called A.T. Systems, people asked me what I did, I told them I carried organ donations.

- CA. Penal Code allows armed couriers to have weapon out, low at your side. However, the companies would rather you lose a few thou than accidentally shoot someone/something and lose millions on court. So if a customer calls and complains you get the stinkeye.

-80% of armored car robberies are inside jobs to one degree or another. Killing two guards to rob the bag full of check deposits smacks of "not an inside job" or another recent one, Brinks guard robbed of his large bag from behind (it only had a receipt book in it). No strip clubs for you!

-Consumer Affairs lets guards carry 9mm, .40, .38/.357, or .45. Most companies don't let you carry 1911's (cocked and locked is dangerous!) I started carrying my Kimber Raptor .45 no one told me to change it.

-anyone delivering milk, snacks, uniforms, coffee, construction supplies (me) makes much more money. Sad but true, and the turnover rate is high.

- Once I brought my M1A National Match with me on a route, that vented handguard and flash hider really makes people notice, as opposed to the shotgun which just looks like a pipe sticking up

[Echidin]

I've walked right past a parked armored car on a couple occasions while they were unloading their cargo and have wondered if they are as paranoid as I would be if I were in their position.

[eccvets]

if i worked for a armored car company and someone robbed me, id give them all the money with no resistance! I wouldnt risk my life and be a hero for 12 bucks an hour!!! What stupid *** would?

[savs2k]

i agree with ecc. If i worked for a company and someone was trying to rob me they can just have the damn money. I won't lie i'll tell whoever is robbing me "hey fck this u can have it i'm just gonna walk away now" It's not my money and it's insured why would you risk you life for PAPER that isn't even yours. you saved 2 mill of insured money, your bonus is what $500? But at the same time

[JDay]

The unfortunate fact is that if any of these guards pull their weapon while on duty, they are immediately fired/terminated,

Fired for doing the job that they're paid to do? Where are you getting your "facts"? If this were to happen they would have one hell of a wrongful termination lawsuit, not to mention all the clients they would lose who found out they weren't getting the service they paid for.

[JDay]

-Consumer Affairs lets guards carry 9mm, .40, .38/.357, or .45. Most companies don't let you carry 1911's (cocked and locked is dangerous!) I started carrying my Kimber Raptor .45 no one told me to change it.

I'd much rather have a 1911 than a Glock with its non-existent safety (that trigger safety doesn't count).

[jeffsenpai]

Fired for doing the job that they're paid to do? Where are you getting your "facts"? If this were to happen they would have one hell of a wrongful termination lawsuit, not to mention all the clients they would lose who found out they weren't getting the service they paid for.

I replied to this already, the forum I read the thread on a long time ago was

http://forums.securityinfowatch.com/

Yesterday I tried to find the thread again, but it was quite some time ago so I could not find that particular thread. Perhaps it was just some FUD, but I spent too much time looking for it to care anymore. I do not find it hard to believe that these low pay guards are terminated, probably for reasons less than pulling their guns. Insurance company's dictate policies, and they likely do not want these guards unholstering weapons without REALLY good reason. All it takes is one accidental discharge in a crowded area, and well, you get the idea. Insurance co. does not want to pay $$$ payouts due to guard stupidity.

[Shotgun Dave]

That's odd. I meant to post about this at some point but here you go. The armored company that services the ATM in my office building has the policy that the escort man draws his weapon and keeps it at low ready as they walk out of the building and back into the truck.

Anyone else seen this sort of procedure? I thought it was a bit much myself.

Yes, I walked out of a local Washington Mutual and a man walked towards me with a drawn revolver held low. I just about shat my pants until I noticed his uniform.

[JBird33]

I'd much rather have a 1911 than a Glock with its non-existent safety (that trigger safety doesn't count).

3 "non-existant" safeties. But who's counting.

[JDay]

3 "non-existant" safeties. But who's counting.

All three of which are controlled by the trigger, like I said it's a single safety.

[Rob454]

So whats the point of having a gun if you cant use it. Might as well be unarmed of thats the case. Why woudl they fire you if youre paid to protect the money they carry? Doesnt sound right to me.

[Blue]

we have guys come in to my work to pick up cash and i always check what they are packing. lots of .357 revolvers, one 1911, a glock or two and some look to be CZs or something like that.

One guy that used to come into an old place of employment of mine carried a 357. After about two years of him coming in every day I asked him if I could check out his gun, and he handed it to me. He carries (or carried) it EMPTY.